1973 Cessna A185F
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedDescription
For Sale: 1973 Cessna A185F An exceptional example of the sought-after Cessna A185F, this 1973 model comes equipped with Aerocet 3400 Amphibious Floats, offering versatility for both land and water operations. With only 2,694 hours since new, this airframe stands out as one of the cleanest and most original you'll find on the market. Privately owned, always hangared, and maintained to a high standard, this aircraft features the Performance VG kit, enhancing short-field performance and making it a true backcountry workhorse. Key Features: Airframe: 2,694 Hours Since New Engine: Continental IO-520-D, 1,185 Hours Total Time Top Overhaul Just Completed Propeller: McCauley D3A34C401 – 53.3 Hours SMOH (Black Mac) Exterior: Original paint in excellent condition Floats: Aerocet 3400 Amphibious Floats included Modifications: Performance VG Kit This is a rare opportunity to own a low-time, beautifully maintained 185 with proven performance and amphibious versatility. Ideal for adventurous owners, lodge operators, or float flying enthusiasts. Contact us today to arrange a viewing or request additional photos and logs..
Engine
Top Overhaul just completed
Propeller
D3A 34C401 Black Mac 53.3 SMOH
Exterior
9.5/10
Modifications / STCs
• Aerocet 3400 Amphib Floats included in asking price
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aircraft Canada
controller.com
|
$325,000
|
Olds, AB, Canada | Mar 25, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
Aircraft Canada
hangar67.com
|
$325,000
|
Olds, Canada | Mar 15, 2026 | 1 days | Active | |
|
Aircraft Canada
aviationtrader.com.au
|
$335,115
|
Olds, Alberta, Australia | Apr 04, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
Aircraft Canada
controlleremea.co.uk
|
$334,612 *
GBP £245,709
|
Olds, Alberta, Canada | 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 A185F
This 1973 Cessna A185F (C-FHOP) is a 6-seat single engine piston with 2,694 hours on the airframe. There are currently 18 A185F aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $195,500 to $425,000. This aircraft is priced below the market average at $325,000.
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 2,694 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. Mechanics have filed 10 service difficulty reports for this type — common maintenance items to discuss during pre-buy.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Cessna A185F — Model Specs
Model specificationStandard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
AeroGurus estimateCESSNA A185F
AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the CESSNA A185F. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.
Ownership & Registration
FAA registry covers US-registered aircraft (N-numbers).
This aircraft (C-FHOP) is registered outside the US.
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 database checked for C-FHOP.
Note: NTSB covers US-registered aircraft (N-numbers). This aircraft is registered in a non-US country (C-FHOP). Safety records from the national aviation authority may not be included in our database.
Service Difficulty Reports — Cessna A185F
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.
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...
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 ...
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...
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.
Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System. Shows maintenance issues reported by mechanics for this aircraft type.
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