Cessna 182 Skylane Aircraft

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About the Cessna 182 Skylane

The Cessna 182 Skylane is the natural step-up from the 172 Skyhawk — same forgiving high-wing design, but with a Lycoming O-540-AB1A5 engine producing 230 HP that transforms capability. In production since 1956 with over 23,000 delivered, the 182 carries four adults, full fuel, and baggage without the weight-and-balance compromises that plague the 172. Cruise speed jumps to 140 KTAS on 12-14 GPH, and the useful load exceeds 1,000 lbs in most configurations.

Key variants span seven decades. The early 182A-P (1956-1986) are straight-tail and swept-tail models with Continental O-470-R/S engines (230 HP). The 182Q/R (1977-1986) improved the panel and systems. Production resumed in 1997 with the 182S (Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5), and the 182T (2001+) brought the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. The T182T Turbo Skylane adds a Lycoming TIO-540-AK1A (235 HP turbocharged) for high-altitude cruise at 156 KTAS and FL200 capability. The 182 Skylane is also popular on floats — its 230 HP provides adequate performance for amphibious operations.

Buying advice. On Continental-powered models (pre-1997), check for cylinder cracking and case through-bolt corrosion — the O-470 is a reliable engine but requires diligent maintenance. On Lycoming-powered models, verify compliance with Lycoming SB 632 (valve train inspection). Common airframe items: nose gear shimmy damper, cowl flap cables, and exhaust system cracks. The landing gear on fixed-gear 182s is robust but the retractable 182RG requires careful pre-buy of gear actuator and squat switch systems.

Market pricing. 1970s 182P/Q with mid-time engine: $60,000-$100,000. 1990s-2000s 182S: $150,000-$250,000. 182T with G1000: $250,000-$400,000. T182T Turbo: $280,000-$430,000. The Cessna 182 for sale market is deep and liquid — it is the most popular four-seat step-up aircraft in general aviation. Cessna 182 operating costs run approximately $150-$180/hr including fuel, maintenance reserves, and insurance.

Cessna 182 Skylane Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 182 Skylane is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 152 kt (282 km/h), a range of 885 nm (1,639 km), and a useful load of 1,050 lbs (476 kg).

Performance
Cruise152 kt (282 km/h)
Max Speed156 kt (289 km/h)
Range885 nm (1,639 km)
Service Ceiling20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineContinental O-470-L
Horsepower235 HP
Fuel Capacity92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn14.0 GPH (53 L/h)
TBO2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC182
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight3,100 lbs (1,406 kg)
Useful Load1,050 lbs (476 kg)
Production1981–present

Cessna 182 Skylane Listings

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Cessna 182 Skylane Price & Cost

Cessna 182 Skylane Price Guide

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.

Cessna 182 Skylane Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (14.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$8,680/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$20,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$160/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$32,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Cessna 182 Skylane

Every Cessna 182 Skylane 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 $32,000 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.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 182 Skylane

What is the difference between a Cessna 182 Skylane and a 182P?
The 182P (1972-1976) uses a Continental O-470-R engine (230 HP) with a fixed rear window. Later 182 models (1997+ 182S/T) switched to a Lycoming IO-540 (230 HP) with fuel injection, a redesigned cowling, and Garmin G1000 avionics (from 2006). Later models cost 2-3x more but offer significantly lower maintenance and better avionics.
Should I buy a turbo or normally aspirated Cessna 182?
Get the turbo (T182T) only if you regularly fly over mountains or at high-density-altitude airports. The turbo cruises at 170 kts at FL180-FL200 vs 140-152 kts for the standard 182. Tradeoffs: the turbo has higher maintenance costs, lower useful load (turbo adds ~40 lbs), shorter TBO, and requires oxygen above 12,500 ft. For flatland flying, the normally aspirated 182 is simpler and cheaper.
How much fuel does a Cessna 182 Skylane burn?
The normally aspirated 182 burns 12-14 GPH at cruise depending on power setting and altitude. At /gal avgas, that is 2-4/hr in fuel alone. With 87 usable gallons, you get 5.5-6 hours endurance or about 885 nm range with IFR reserves. Economy cruise at 55% power drops burn to 10-11 GPH.
Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
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