1974 Cessna 185F
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
IFRrepresenting a significant upgrade over typical legacy 185 configurations. Garmin GTN 750 WAAS GPS/Nav/Comm provides full IFR-capable navigation with a large touchscreen interface
integrated flight planning terrain awarenessand excellent usability. This is a major upgrade and a highly desirable feature for both VFR and IFR operations. Garmin GTR 225 Comm radio provides a reliable secondary communication system with modern clarity and functionality. JPI EDM engine monitor system provides comprehensive engine data including cylinder head temperatures (CHTs)
exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) fuel flow and other critical parameters. This allows for improved engine management early detection of potential issuesand more efficient operation. Updated panel layout provides improved ergonomics and usability compared to original configurations. The panel is clean
functionaland well-suited for real-world flying. Aircraft also includes standard flight instrumentation appropriate for VFR and light IFR operations. The avionics suite is practical
proven and aligned with the aircraft's mission. Overallthe avionics package adds significant value and makes this aircraft stand out from many other Cessna 185s on the market
particularly those with older or minimally upgraded panels.Description
974 Cessna A185F - Aerocet Floats - GTN 750, JPI - Proven Alaska Aircraft Well-equipped and proven Cessna A185F configured for Alaska operations. This aircraft has been actively used for remote cabin access and hunting trips north of Fairbanks and is a capable, reliable hauler with excellent float performance and modern avionics. This is a strong working airplane with the right equipment for real-world use in Alaska. Airframe 1974 Cessna A185F Serial Number: 185-02188 Total Time: ~8,0XX hours Engine Continental IO-520 ~900 SMOH ~300 SPOH Avionics (Major Upgrade) Garmin GTN 750 (WAAS GPS/Nav/Comm) Garmin GTR 225 Comm JPI EDM Engine Monitor Updated panel Equipment / Modifications Aerocet straight floats (with gear legs) Sportsman STOL kit Vortex generators Atlee Dodge rear jump seats Interior / Exterior Selkirk interior (2020) - clean and functional Alaska interior Exterior ~6/10 (typical wear for working aircraft) Operational History Used for: Float flying in Alaska Remote cabin access Hunting trips with passengers and gear Proven and capable Alaska airplane. Disclosure Aircraft has prior damage history. During installation of wheel gear, a mechanic noted a prior landing gear box repair utilized non-standard rivet sizing. The aircraft was inspected, replaced, and signed off as airworthy and has primarily been operated on floats. Price: $259,000 Located in Anchorage, Alaska Serious inquiries only. Logs available upon request.
Engine
Continental IO-520 engine with approximately 900 hours since major overhaul (SMOH). Engine has been actively operated and maintained in Alaska conditions, primarily in floatplane operations. Propeller approximately 300 hours since overhaul (SPOH). Comes with 86" Hartzell Voyager and 80" McCauley. Engine performance has been consistent and reliable in typical mission profiles, including multi-passenger hauling and gear transport to remote locations. Aircraft is equipped with several desirable performance and utility modifications, including a Sportsman STOL kit and vortex generators, which improve low-speed handling, takeoff performance, and overall controllability-especially valuable for float operations and short or unimproved landing areas. Aerocet straight floats provide a durable and proven float platform, well-suited for Alaska operations. The aircraft has been used primarily in float configuration. No known current engine issues. Engine monitoring is supported by a JPI EDM system (see avionics section), allowing for detailed tracking of engine health and performance. This provides additional confidence and operational awareness compared to stock instrumentation. Overall, this is a strong-running IO-520 in a configuration that balances performance, reliability, and maintainability for backcountry and float use.
Interior
Interior upgraded with Selkirk Aviation interior (2020), providing a clean, durable, and functional cabin well-suited for Alaska operations. Interior condition is approximately 8/10 and presents well, with materials and layout designed for both comfort and utility. Atlee Dodge rear jump seats provide additional flexibility for carrying passengers or gear, depending on mission needs. Cabin layout supports hauling gear, hunting equipment, and passengers efficiently, consistent with the aircraft's use for remote access and backcountry operations. Exterior condition approximately 6/10. Paint shows typical wear consistent with an actively used Alaska aircraft but remains presentable. This is not a showplane, but a well-maintained working airplane with honest cosmetics. Aircraft presents as a clean, capable, and purpose-built Alaska 185 with a good balance between functionality and appearance.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Matthew Blattmachr
trade-a-plane.com
|
$259,000
|
Anchorage, AK | Apr 13, 2026 | — | Active |
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AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Cessna 185F
This 1974 Cessna 185F (N22CB) is a 6-seat single engine piston with 8,000 hours on the airframe. There are currently 11 185F aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $190,000 to $450,000. This aircraft is priced below the market average at $259,000.
The 185F cruises at 145 kts (269 km/h) with a range of 720 nm (1,333 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights.
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 8,000 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 185F — Model Specs
Model specificationStandard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
AeroGurus estimateCESSNA 185F
AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the CESSNA 185F. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.
Ownership & Registration
FAA registration data pending for N22CB.
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 N22CB against the NTSB accident database.
Service Difficulty Reports — Cessna 185F
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...
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.
Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System. Shows maintenance issues reported by mechanics for this aircraft type.
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