The Cessna 182 Skylane succeeds because it avoids extremes. It is not the fastest, most glamorous, or most technologically advanced aircraft in its class, but it is arguably the most complete package. It offers a compelling blend of power, utility, safety, and relative affordability that is hard to beat. As aviation author James Ellis eloquently put it, "The 182 Skylane is the airplane for the pilot... who is just a little dissatisfied with the 172, which often seems to be a bit underpowered, a little too light, and a little too little all around. There's nothing too little or too underpowered about the Skylane. This is a big, solid, powerful handful... an honest airplane".
If you are thinking about to a Cessna 182, let me know what specific details you need. I can provide insights on typical used market prices by decade, help you calculate an estimated hourly operating budget , or compare its performance directly against competitors like the Piper Dakota or Beechcraft Bonanza . Share public link
Produced from 1978 to 1986, the Retractable Gear (RG) variant features a hydraulic system that tucks the wheels into the fuselage. By eliminating parasitic drag, the R182 gains roughly 10–15 knots in cruise speed compared to its fixed-gear counterpart. Cessna also offered a turbocharged retractable version (TR182), which remains highly sought after on the used market. Operating and Maintenance Considerations
The integration of the Garmin G1000 avionics suite revolutionized situational awareness for Skylane pilots. Performance, Engines, and Specifications skylane cessna 182
If you are considering purchasing, flying, or upgrading a Skylane, let me know:
The specs are impressive, but loyalty to the is emotional and practical. Here is why it dominates the used market and remains a fleet favorite.
While the purchase price is a major factor, the full cost of ownership is what ultimately defines the experience. The Skylane is considered relatively affordable to maintain, but these are not insignificant figures. The Cessna 182 Skylane succeeds because it avoids extremes
The Cessna 182 owes its success to a brilliant balance of high-wing design, sturdy construction, and forgiving flight characteristics. High-Wing Advantage
Modern Cessna 182s are powered by the naturally aspirated, six-cylinder Lycoming IO-540 engine, producing 230 horsepower. Older models utilize the equally reliable Continental O-470 engine. The addition of a constant-speed propeller allows pilots to adjust blade pitch in flight, optimizing engine efficiency for both climb and cruise phases. Performance Specifications (Typical 182T) Specification 145 knots (167 mph / 268 km/h) Maximum Range 930 nautical miles (1,070 miles / 1,722 km) Service Ceiling 18,100 feet Rate of Climb 924 feet per minute Useful Load ~1,100 lbs (varies by equipment) Fuel Capacity 87 gallons (usable) Flight Characteristics: Why Pilots Love It
The modern and its turbocharged counterpart, the T182T , offer a balance of speed and utility that few other single-engine pistons can match. As aviation author James Ellis eloquently put it,
With 230 HP pulling a relatively light airframe, the 182 leaps off the runway. The 790-foot ground roll is astonishing for a four-seat airplane. This makes it a favorite for pilots operating out of small mountain strips, private grass fields, or high-density-altitude airports (like those in Colorado or Arizona).
The Skylane’s production history is a testament to its resilience. Production continued until 1986 when a surge in product liability lawsuits forced Cessna to halt all single-engine piston production. The aircraft lay dormant until the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act in 1994, which Cessna cited as a key factor in its decision to restart the production line. The modern era began in 1997 with the introduction of the 182S, which swapped the traditional Continental engine for a new fuel-injected Lycoming powerplant. The Skylane has remained in continuous production ever since, currently as the 182T and T182T models, celebrated for their advanced Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits.
Introduced in 1956, the Cessna 182 has been in continuous production for nearly 70 years. It is not the fastest, cheapest, or most glamorous aircraft on the ramp. Yet, ask any seasoned flight instructor, bush pilot, or cross-country traveler to name the best all-around single-engine piston aircraft, and the answer is almost universally the same:
Roughly $150 to $200 per flight hour (dry, not including hangar/insurance). If you rent a Skylane from a club, expect to pay $180–$250/hour wet.