Cessna 180 Skywagon Aircraft
· 4-seat · updated recently
About the Cessna 180 Skywagon
The Cessna 180 Skywagon is a four-seat, single-engine tailwheel aircraft produced from 1953 to 1981, earning a legendary reputation as one of the most capable and versatile bush planes ever built. Powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470 engine, the Skywagon cruises at 142 knots with a range of 730 nautical miles and burns approximately 12 gallons per hour.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,800 lbs, the 180 Skywagon carries a useful load that rivals many larger aircraft, making it popular for hauling gear into remote locations. Variable hourly costs average around $155, with annual fixed costs near $18,000. The conventional tailwheel landing gear, combined with robust construction and excellent short-field performance, allows the 180 to operate from rough strips, gravel bars, and backcountry airfields with confidence.
The Cessna 180 appeals to bush pilots, backcountry enthusiasts, and practical-minded aviators who need a rugged, proven aircraft capable of reaching remote destinations. It is a staple in Alaska, Canada, and anywhere that unimproved runways are part of daily flying. The long production run and large fleet ensure excellent parts availability, and a devoted owner community provides deep institutional knowledge about maintaining and modifying these durable workhorses.
Cessna 180 Skywagon Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 180 Skywagon is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 142 kt (263 km/h), a range of 730 nm (1,352 km).
Cessna 180 Skywagon Listings
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Browse all Cessna models →Cessna 180 Skywagon Price & Cost
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Cessna 180 Skywagon
Every Cessna 180 Skywagon faces a mandatory 2,000-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $30,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 2,000-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.