1978 Cessna 185F
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
BTHGarmin G3X with a synthetic vision Garmin G5 backup artificial horizon Garmin GFC 500 auto pilot Garmin GTN 650XI Garmin GNC 355 GPS/COM GARMIN GTX 345R Transponder with Bluetooth capabilities to your device to show weather and traffic
plus ADSB IN OUT Garmin GMA 340 audio panel USB PortsDescription
New price! The pride of ownership abounds with this beautiful 185F! Factory float kit Long range fuel 36 hours since factory reman (2025) 36 hours since factory new McCauley prop (2025) 1350# useful load Brand new annual Garmin G3X touch screen Garmin GFC500 autopilot Garmin GTN 650xi Garmin GNC 355 GPS Com Garmin GTX 345R transponder Garmin GMA 340 audio panel Garmin G5 back up artificial horizon Possible Cirrus trade Airframe: TTAF: 9350 Factory float kit Only 3 owners since new AeroLED Landing and taxi lights with pulse Sportsman STOL cuff VG's BAS shoulder harness Airwolf remote oil filter 10 tailwheel STC'd C206 removable rear seats Selkirk interior Lower cowl louvers Gami injectors Door Stewards Rosen Visors Oil Quick Drain Alaska gear company 6 bolt wheels Cargo net Tail pull handles One piece windshield Engines: 36 hours since factory reman IO-520D (2025) Props: 36 hours since factory new prop (2025)
Engine
36 hours since factory reman IO-520D (2025)
Interior
Paint is 30 years old but in great condition 7.5/10 Interior is a 6/10, seats are in great condition, headliner has two small blemishes
Exterior
Paint is 30 years old but in great condition 7.5/10
Inspection
new annual
Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.
Price Comparison Listed on multiple marketplaces
| Source | Price | Location | Listed | Days on Market | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Joe Dory Aviation
trade-a-plane.com
|
$325,000
|
Caldwell, ID | Mar 20, 2026 | 120 days | Active |
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Cessna 185F loan calculator
AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Cessna 185F
This 1978 Cessna 185F (N379JT) is a 6-seat single engine piston with 9,350 hours on the airframe. There are currently 17 185F aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $190,000 to $450,000. This aircraft is priced above the market average at $325,000.
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. 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 100LL avgas prices (~$6.20/gal) means approximately $96/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 9,350 hours on the airframe, this aircraft has exceeded TBO (2,000 hrs) — verify engine status and overhaul reserve.
FAA registration status: Valid. 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
Registered Owner
OWYHEE AIR LLC
Registration Address
MURPHY, ID
Certificate Issued
2006-02-08
Airworthiness
2012-04-06
FAA Status
Valid
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, updated Mar 15, 2026
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 N379JT.
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.
Price History
Price vs Typical Asking Range
This asking price is within the typical asking range for this model, roughly $273,053–$392,034.
Based on current asking prices for comparable listings — asking prices only, not an appraisal or sale price.
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