1978 Cessna A185F
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
Description
Well-maintained Cessna A185F featuring a 7,429.6-hour airframe, a freshly overhauled Continental IO-520-F engine with just 19.3 hours since overhaul, and a factory-new Hartzell propeller with 20.8 hours. A strong option for personal flying, light cargo operations, or utility missions. Negotiable price and ready to fly.
Engine
Continental IO-520-F
Propeller
Hartzell propeller
Inspection
Last Flight: 11/27/2025 (1.6 hrs) 100-hour Inspection: Not applicable due to recent engine installation
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IQ Worldwide Solutions
controller.com
|
Contact for price
|
Tampa, FL | Mar 25, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
IQ Worldwide Solutions
controlleremea.co.uk
|
Contact for price *
Contact for price
|
Tampa, FL | 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 1978 Cessna A185F is a 6-seat single engine piston with 7,429 hours on the airframe. There are currently 29 A185F aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $190,000 to $899,500.
The A185F 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 7,429 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
Registration number not available.
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.
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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