1964 Cessna 185
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
IFRDescription
This 1964 Cessna 185D is a standout example of one of the most capable and respected utility tailwheel aircraft ever built. Owned by the current owner for approximately 20 years, this aircraft has clearly benefited from long-term, knowledgeable stewardship and thoughtful upgrades throughout its life. Currently located in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, this 185D presents beautifully and is exceptionally well equipped for both serious backcountry capability and comfortable cross-country flying. The aircraft features the highly desirable oversized cargo door, significantly improving loading flexibility and making it ideal for gear-intensive missions, hunting, camping, or utility operations. Performance is further enhanced with the Sportsman STOL kit, delivering impressive short takeoff and landing capability, improved low-speed handling, and excellent overall control—features that continue to make the Cessna 185 a benchmark aircraft in its class. The avionics suite has been substantially upgraded, blending modern capability with proven reliability: • Garmin GTN 650 GPS/NAV/COM for IFR navigation and situational awareness • JPI EDM-900 primary engine monitoring system, providing precise real-time engine data and peace of mind • S-TEC 55X autopilot, adding stability and reducing workload on longer flights These upgrades transform the aircraft into a highly capable platform for both VFR and IFR operations, while preserving the rugged, hands-on flying experience that makes the 185 so sought after. Whether you are a private owner looking for a legendary tailwheel aircraft with real utility, or an operator seeking a dependable, versatile platform for demanding missions, this Cessna 185D checks all the right boxes. Its combination of proven airframe, long-term ownership, modern avionics, and performance enhancements make it a compelling opportunity in today’s market. This is a rare chance to acquire a well-equipped, well-cared-for Cessna 185 that is equally at home on pavement, grass, gravel, or remote strips—and ready for its next chapter of adventure. *Specifications and times are subject to verification. Aircraft offered is subject to prior sale, lease, and / or withdrawal from the market.*
Interior
3-Place Seating Gray Leather Seats Lower Door Windows
Inspection
Last Annual Inspection: June 2025
Modifications / STCs
• CargoMore Door
• Sportsmans STOL Kit
Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.
Price Comparison 1 active offer
| Source | Price | Location | Listed | Days on Market | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
North American Aircraft Brokerage - Ian Swett
trade-a-plane.com
|
$229,000
|
Dallas, TX | Mar 30, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
Ian Swett
avpay.aero
|
$229,000
|
TX | Mar 21, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
North American Aircraft Brokerage
controller.com
|
$229,000
|
Helotes, TX | Mar 25, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
North American Aircraft Brokerage
aviationtrader.com.au
|
$236,127
|
Helotes, Texas, Australia | Apr 04, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
North American Aircraft Brokerage
controlleremea.co.uk
|
$233,250 *
GBP £173,130
|
Helotes, TX | Apr 04, 2026 | — | Active |
* Converted to USD at daily European Central Bank (ECB) exchange rates
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AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Cessna 185
This 1964 Cessna 185 (N5885T) is a 6-seat single engine piston with 5,763 hours on the airframe. There are currently 17 185 aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $175,000 to $384,418. This aircraft is priced below the market average at $229,000.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts (269 km/h) with a range of 720 nm (1,333 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights. Service ceiling of 17,150 ft allows operation above most weather.
Operating costs: Fuel burn is 15.5 GPH (59 L/h), which at current Jet-A prices (~$5.50/gal) means approximately $85/hr in fuel alone. Total variable cost including maintenance reserves is approximately $175/hr. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew, annual inspection) average $22,000. With 5,763 hours on the airframe, this aircraft has exceeded TBO (2,000 hrs) — verify engine status and overhaul reserve.
NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record. There are 9 airworthiness directives applicable to this aircraft type — review AD compliance carefully before purchase. Mechanics have filed 10 service difficulty reports for this type — common maintenance items to discuss during pre-buy.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Cessna 185 — Model Specs
Model specificationStandard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
AeroGurus estimateCESSNA 185
AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the CESSNA 185. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.
Ownership & Registration
FAA registration data pending for N5885T.
Location & Ownership
Title Status
No FAA title records
Available for US-registered aircraft only
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.
Safety Record
NTSB safety data coming soon.
We'll check N5885T against the NTSB accident database.
Airworthiness Directives — Cessna 185
ADs are mandatory safety instructions issued by the FAA. 9 recent ADs found for this aircraft type.
Cessna Aircraft Company 120, 140, 140A, 150, F150, 170, 172, F172, FR172, P172D, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, A185E, 190, 195, 206, P206, U206, TP206, TU206, 207, T207, 210, T210, 336, 337, and T337 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Cessna Aircraft Company Models 150, 152, 170, 172, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, 188, 190, 195, 206, 207, 210, T303, 336, and 337 Airplanes
View full AD →Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 172, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, 303, 336, and 337 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Cessna Aircraft Company 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210, and 303 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Cessna Aircraft Company 120, 140, 140A, 150, F150, 170, 172, F172, FR172, P172D, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, A185E, 190, 195, 206, P206, U206, TP206, TU206, 207, T207, 210, T210, 336, 337, and T337 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Cessna Aircraft Company 120, 140, 140A, 150, F150, 170, 172, F172, FR172, P172D, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, A185E, 190, 195, 206, P206, U206, TP206, TU206, 207, T207, 210, T210, 336, 337, and T337 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Cessna Aircraft Company 150, 152, 172, 177, 180, 182, 185, 188, 206, 207, 210, and 337 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Source: FAA Airworthiness Directives database. Showing most recent ADs for this aircraft type.
Service Difficulty Reports — Cessna 185
SDRs are reports filed by mechanics about problems found during maintenance. 10 recent reports for this aircraft type.
UPON INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF THE ABI 3413-01K TAIL WHEEL FORK ASSY, A CRACK WAS DISCOVERED. PHOTOS UPON REQUEST.
MOUNTED IN THE RT FRONT POSITION, FOUND BROKEN DURING OIL CHANGE.
INSTALLED NEW ACORN WELDING LTD. EXHAUST STACKS AND MUFFLER ON FACTORY NEW IO-550D ENGINE. BOTH EXHAUST STACKS CRACKED WITHIN 60 HOURS; REPLACED BOTH STACKS WITH NEW ACORN STACKS; ONE OF THE NEW STACKS CRACKED (1" HOLE) WITHIN 30 HOURS. REMOVED FRO...
WHILE EXECUTING A WHEEL LANDING ON RWY 29 AT AWO, UPON TOUCH DOWN THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN A GENTLE DRIFT TO THE RIGHT WHICH COULD NOT BE CORRECTED WITH LEFT BRAKE OR LEFT RUDDER. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT, EXITED THE RUNWAY ONTO THE GRAS...
UPON TAKE-OFF, A CESSNA 185 MADE A LEFT TURN. AT APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AGL, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON A GOLF COURSE. THE PILOT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. DURING THE INVESTIGATION AND UPON INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT, I D...
THE AIRCRAFT CABIN HEADLINER WAS REMOVED FOR MAINTENANCE. AFTER REMOVAL, SEVERE INTERGRANULAR CORROSION WAS FOUND ON THE CARRY THROUGH SPAR. THIS RENDERED THE SPAR UNAIRWORTHY AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED ...
DUE TO A DESIGN/MANUFACTURING FLAW IN THE HARTWIG AIRCRAFT "MONARCH PREMIUM FUEL CAPS" INSTALLED ON THIS AIRCRAFT THE CAPS WILL NOT SEAL. THIS IS DUE TO INCORRECT PLACEMENT OF THE FUEL CAP CHAIN RETAINING TAB FABRICATED IN THE FEMALE SECTION OF THE ...
CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED IN BOTH LH AND RH TAILWHEEL STEERING BELLCRANK BRACKETS DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION. PN-0712039-1. THESE BRACKETS HOLD THE BELLCRANK THAT COMBINES THE INPUT FOR AIR RUDDER AND TAIL WHEEL STEERING. CRACKS ORIGINATED IN BOTH BRACKE...
(CAN) WHILE PERFORMING A SCHEDULED INSPECTION, THE PILOT STATED THE VACUUM FLUCTUATED. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THE SPLINES ON THE VACUUM PUMP HAD FAILED. THE VACUUM PUMP WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW PUMP,AND FUNCTION CHECK WAS CARRIED OUT SATISFACTORY...
(CAN) DURING A SCHEDULED INSPECTION, THE PILOT SEAT BACK CAM WAS NOTICED TO BE LOOSE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE CAM-SEAT BACK ADJUST ARM WAS BROKEN, MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL REPLACED THE CAM WITH A SERVICEABLE CAM TO RECTIFY THE DEFECT. ALL WOR...
Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System. Shows maintenance issues reported by mechanics for this aircraft type.
