The defining characteristic of the Skylane is its engine. Early models featured a 230-horsepower Continental O-470, while newer variants moved to fuel-injected and eventually Lycoming powerplants. Regardless of the specific variant, the Skylane offers a distinct performance boost over its little brother, the 172.
A typical Skylane cruises at around 145 knots (roughly 167 mph) and offers a useful load often exceeding 1,100 pounds. This is the "magic number" for families. In a Skyhawk, filling the seats often means leaving the fuel tanks half-empty. In a Skylane, you can fill four seats, bring luggage, and still carry enough fuel for a respectable four-hour flight with reserves. This hauling capability turned the 182 into the favored tool for ranchers, pipeline inspectors, and weekend travelers alike.
Is the Skylane Cessna 182 still the king? Let's see how it stacks up against rivals.
| Aircraft | Pros vs. Skylane | Cons vs. Skylane | |----------|-------------------|------------------| | Cirrus SR22 | Faster (180+ knots), parachute (CAPS), modern composite airframe. | Doubles the price ($700k used), higher insurance, smaller cabin, less utility. | | Diamond DA40 | Fantastic visibility, Euro styling, lower fuel burn. | Slower than Skylane, less useful load, tighter rear seats. | | Piper Cherokee 235/Dakota | Simple, stout gear, good hauler. | Out of production, less comfortable, slower cruise, smaller parts market. | | Cessna 172 Skyhawk | Cheap to buy and operate, easy to fly. | Over 30 knots slower, carries 500 lbs less, frustrating for long trips. |
Verdict: The Cirrus is the sports car. The Diamond is the tech-forward commuter. But the Skylane is the pickup truck. It doesn't win on glamour or raw speed, but it wins on versatility, cost of entry, and sheer mission capability.
The Skylane Cessna 182 is not the brightest, the fastest, or the most beautiful aircraft on the ramp. But it is, by nearly every objective measure, the most practical four-seat aircraft ever built for the private owner and the light commercial operator.
Do you need to fly a family of four from Denver to Santa Fe with skis and a weekend’s luggage? Get a 182. Do you run a skydiving operation or a survey company that needs reliability and power? Get a 182. Do you want to explore the backcountry strips of Idaho or the beaches of the Bahamas without worrying about runway length? Get a Skylane.
It is the airplane that does everything asked of it, without complaint, without complexity, and without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a 1962 182C polished to a mirror shine or a 2024 182T with a $700,000 Garmin suite, the soul remains the same: honest, strong, and utterly dependable.
The Skylane isn’t just a model name. It’s a promise. And for sixty-eight years, it has never been broken.
Are you a Skylane owner? Tell us your favorite memory in the comments. Looking to buy? Start your search with the 1970s “K” through “P” models—the best value in general aviation.
The Cessna 182 Skylane is a high-performance, single-engine aircraft renowned as a versatile "workhorse" in the aviation world. Introduced as a more powerful successor to the popular Cessna 172, the Skylane has celebrated over 70 years of service, used globally for training, pleasure, and business. Key Features & Specifications
Power & Payload: Modern models feature a 230-hp engine and an impressive 1,110 lb useful load capability.
Performance: It offers a maximum speed of 280 km/h (151 knots) and a range of approximately 1,720 km.
Design: Maintains the classic high-wing configuration, which provides stability at low speeds and easier exits, making it a favorite in the skydiving industry.
Variants: Over its long history, variants have included turbocharged engines for high-altitude performance and retractable landing gear (the R182) for increased speed. Performance Data Specification Crew/Passenger Capacity 1 Pilot / 3 Passengers Cruise Speed 269 km/h (approx. 145 knots) Rate of Climb Empty Weight Maximum Takeoff Weight Ownership & Operation
Cost: A brand new Cessna 182 Skylane typically ranges from $675,000 to $745,000. skylane cessna 182
Operating Costs: Owners report burning about 13 gallons of fuel per hour. Maintenance is generally straightforward, as most shops worldwide are familiar with the 182.
Handling: While stable, the 182 is heavier and more complex than the 172. It may require continuous trimming in flight due to its massive airfoil and sensitivity to wind gusts. Common Issues
Prospective buyers should be aware of potential fuel contamination risks linked to certain flush-style fuel caps and bladder tanks, as well as a susceptibility to carburetor ice in older models. Cessna Skylane - Textron Aviation
The Cessna 182 Skylane is a four-seat, single-engine light aircraft recognized as one of the most versatile and reliable "workhorses" in general aviation. First introduced in 1956, it is essentially a tricycle-gear version of the Cessna 180 and remains a popular choice for cross-country travel, flight training, and backcountry flying. Key Performance Specifications
As of recent 2025–2026 data, the Skylane typically features the following capabilities: Speed: A cruise speed of approximately 145 knots (167 mph).
Range: Approximately 880 to 1,050 miles on a full tank, allowing for roughly 4 to 5 hours of flight time.
Payload: A useful load capacity of roughly 1,100 to 1,260 lbs, sufficient for four adults plus additional cargo.
Takeoff/Landing: Requires roughly 1,500 feet for takeoff and 1,350 feet for landing, making it suitable for shorter, regional runways. Notable Features & Variants
High-Wing Configuration: Provides excellent downward visibility for passengers and high stability during flight.
Tricycle Landing Gear: Makes the aircraft easier to taxi, take off, and land compared to conventional "taildragger" gear.
Variants: Over 23 models have been produced, including the R182 (Retractable Gear) for increased speed and the T182 (Turbocharged) for improved high-altitude performance.
Avionics & Safety: Modern models (like the 2026 Skylane) often include advanced safety equipment like collision avoidance systems and autopiloting. Common Use Cases
Cross-Country Travel: Its balance of speed and range makes it ideal for regional business or family trips.
Flight Training: Often used as a step-up trainer for pilots moving from smaller aircraft like the Cessna 172.
Backcountry Access: Its ability to handle short takeoff and landing (STOL) requirements allows access to remote strips. The defining characteristic of the Skylane is its engine
Price of a New Cessna 182 (2026–2027): Complete Cost Guide - Jettly
The Cessna 182 Skylane is one of the most recognizable and successful aircraft in the history of general aviation. Since its introduction in 1956, it has become a staple for private pilots, flight schools, and utility operators due to its robust design and "high-performance" capabilities Historical Development
The Skylane was originally developed as a tricycle-gear version of the Cessna 180 taildragger. 1956 Debut
: The first 182 models featured a 230 hp Continental O-470-L engine and a gross weight of 2,550 lbs. The "Skylane" Name
: The "Skylane" moniker was introduced for the 1957 model year to distinguish the premium, fully-equipped versions from the base 182 models. Continuous Production
: Aside from a brief hiatus from 1986 to 1996, the aircraft has remained in production, evolving from carbureted engines to modern fuel-injected systems like the Lycoming IO-540 found in recent models. Design and Specifications
The aircraft is a four-seat, high-wing, all-metal monoplane known for its stability and useful load. Performance
: Typically cruises at speeds between 140–145 knots with a range of approximately 900 nautical miles, depending on the variant. Safety Features
: Modern versions, such as the 182T, are equipped with the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, offering advanced situational awareness and safety features for pilots. Robust Landing Gear
: Its fixed tricycle gear makes it a popular choice for pilots transitioning from smaller trainers like the Cessna 172 to more powerful aircraft. Operating Costs and Market Value
Owning a Skylane is considered a significant step up from entry-level light aircraft. Fuel Consumption : It typically burns 13 to 14 gallons of Avgas per hour. Purchase Price : A brand-new Cessna 182 Skylane in 2025 can cost between $500,000 and $600,000
, while used models from the 1960s or 70s are often found for significantly less depending on airframe hours and engine time. Common Operational Considerations
While reliable, pilots must be aware of specific design quirks: Fuel Bladders
: Pre-1979 models use fuel bladders that can be prone to contamination if not maintained. Landing Characteristics
: Due to its heavy nose, the 182 is susceptible to "nose-wheel first" landings if not properly flared, which can lead to firewall damage. of a specific model year, or an operating cost comparison against similar aircraft like the Beechcraft Bonanza? Are you a Skylane owner
Cessna 182 Skylane is widely regarded as the ultimate "step-up" aircraft in general aviation, striking a perfect balance between simplicity and high-performance capability. Since its introduction in 1956, it has become the world’s second most popular Cessna model—trailing only the Cessna 172 Skyhawk —with over 24,000 units produced. Key Performance & Specifications Modern variants, such as the Cessna 182T
, are built for both recreational cross-country travel and utility missions. Cessna Skylane - Textron Aviation
The Cessna 182 Skylane is a four-seat, single-engine, high-performance light aircraft known for its reliability and "workhorse" reputation
. Introduced in 1956 as a tricycle-gear version of the Cessna 180, it has become the second most popular Cessna model after the 172. Key Specifications (Cessna 182T)
Modern variants typically feature the following performance metrics: Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 air-cooled flat-six, 230 hp. Propeller: 3-bladed constant speed. Max Speed: 150 kn (170 mph). Cruise Speed: 145 kn (167 mph). Approximately 915–930 nautical miles. Useful Load: 1,110 pounds. Service Ceiling: 18,100 ft. Operational Highlights Newer models come standard with the Garmin G1000 NXi
suite, which includes high-resolution graphics and wireless connectivity. Stability:
Its high-wing design offers excellent stability and downward visibility, making it a favorite for both cross-country travel and specialized missions like skydiving. Landing Gear:
Most models use fixed tricycle gear, though retractable gear variants (designated as the
or "Skylane RG") were produced to improve cruise speed and fuel efficiency. Popular Variants Skylane RG (R182):
Features retractable gear, offering a 10–15% improvement in climb and cruise speeds. Turbo Skylane (T182T):
Equipped with a turbocharged engine (Lycoming TIO-540) for better performance at high altitudes. Skylane JT-A:
A diesel-powered variant designed to run on Jet-A fuel, though its wide-scale production was eventually discontinued. Ownership & Maintenance
The 182 is praised for its moderate speed and relatively easy maintenance. Resources for owners include: NTSB (.gov) Parts Catalogs: illustrated parts catalogs
are available for identifying replacement components for various model years. Cessna Pilots Association:
A key resource for owners to stay informed about mechanical concerns and service updates. NTSB (.gov) or information on buying/selling a Skylane?
1956 through 1986 Cessna 182 Fixed Gear Skylane Buyers Guide Excerpt
If the Cessna 172 is the Toyota Corolla of aviation (ubiquitous, reliable, economical), the Cessna 182 Skylane is the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. It takes everything good about its smaller sibling and adds more power, more space, more payload, and a ruggedness that has made it a favorite for bush pilots, families, and flight schools for nearly 70 years.