Cessna A185F Aircraft in Switzerland

Swiss-registered aircraft (HB- prefix) operate under FOCA (Swiss aviation authority) certification, EASA-aligned. Pilatus is Swiss — strong PC-12/PC-24 home market. Strict maintenance standards. GA hubs at Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern.

← Cessna 185 family

The Cessna 185 Skywagon is the definitive American bush plane — a four-seat, high-wing taildragger that carried Alaska, delivered missionaries, and hauled freight across the world's roughest terrain from 1961 to 1985. Powered by a Continental IO-520-D (300 HP), the 185 delivers 150 KTAS cruise with a useful load exceeding 1,100 lbs on wheels and serious payload even on floats. With approximately 4,400 built, the 185 is no longer in production — and surviving examples appreciate in value year after year.

What makes the 185 legendary. The tailwheel configuration keeps the propeller clear of debris on gravel strips. The 300 HP Continental provides the power-to-weight ratio needed for short-field operations with a full load. On Edo or Wipaire floats, the 185 is the most popular bush floatplane in North America after the de Havilland Beaver. The 185 can operate from gravel bars, glaciers, tundra, and unimproved strips where nosewheel aircraft cannot go.

Key variants. The 185 (1961-1967) used the Continental IO-470-F (260 HP). The A185E/F (1966-1985) upgraded to the IO-520-D (300 HP). The A185F is the most desirable variant — 300 HP, later-production refinements, and the most remaining airframe life. The 180 Skywagon is the smaller sibling with a Continental O-470 (230 HP) — less power but lighter, simpler, and often cheaper.

Buying advice. Corrosion is the primary concern on any 185, especially float-equipped aircraft. Inspect belly skins, float attach fittings, wing strut attachments, and lower fuselage longerons. Continental IO-520 engines are reliable but check for case through-bolt corrosion and crankshaft counterweight wear. The 185 tailwheel spring and tailwheel housing wear from hard landings on rough strips. Fabric condition on fabric-covered ailerons (some models).

Market. A Cessna 185 for sale is an appreciating asset — these aircraft are not being made anymore, and demand from bush operators and adventure pilots only grows.

Cessna A185F aircraft for sale

1 used Cessna A185F aircraft for sale in Switzerland · 6-seat · Used median asking $315,000 · updated 2 days ago

Cessna A185F Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna A185F is a 6-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 145 kt (269 km/h), a range of 720 nm (1,333 km), and a useful load of 1,440 lbs (653 kg).

Performance
Cruise145 kt (269 km/h)
Max Speed150–152 kt (278–282 km/h)
Range720 nm (1,333 km)
Service Ceiling17,150–17,800 ft (5,227–5,425 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL IO-520-D
Horsepower300 HP
Fuel Capacity74.0–84.0 gal (280–318 L)
Fuel Burn14.0–15.5 GPH (53–59 L/h)
TBO1,700–2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC185
Weights & Seats
Seats6
Max Gross Weight3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
Useful Load1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Production1973–1985

Cessna A185F for Sale

Cessna A185F asking prices range from $200,000 to $425,000, with a median of $315,000 (market reference $265,000).

1979 Cessna A185F

1979 Cessna A185F for sale within typical asking range
$323,827
For Sale
Total Time 10,889
Reg# N4095L US
Location Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland
Via Aeromeccanica SA
Multiple sources

Cessna A185F Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
185 1961–1985 6 145 kts (269 km/h) 720 nm (1,333 km) 1,440 lbs (653 kg) $140K – $378K The 185 Skywagon is the high-power, high-payload Cessna taildragger — choose a later A185F for the most refined airframe and the IO-520 engine, or an earlier model for a lower entry price. If you need less power and a lower running cost, the lighter Cessna 180 Skywagon → covers the same utility role. 22
A185E 1971–1985 6 145 kts (269 km/h) 720 nm (1,333 km) 1,440 lbs (653 kg) — An early Skywagon taildragger — a powerful six-seat bush and float single that holds its value strongly. 2
185F 1973–1985 6 145 kts (269 km/h) 720 nm (1,333 km) 1,440 lbs (653 kg) $190K – $450K A late Skywagon — a powerful six-seat taildragger for serious bush and float work that holds its value strongly. 16

Compare Cessna A185F

Detailed comparisons for the Cessna A185F are being prepared.

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Cessna A185F Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna A185F cost? Used A185F prices: $200K – $425K, average $315K (median $315K); market reference $265K, across 19 priced of 1 active listings.

Cessna A185F 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 A185F Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (15.5 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$9,610/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$22,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$175/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$35,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The A185F is bush-and-float ownership: hard short-field, ski and float use put the spar, firewall, gearbox and corrosion at the centre of any pre-buy. The Continental IO-520 engine time dominates running cost, and float-equipped examples command a premium with extra inspection items. Documentation and airframe condition matter more than the headline price.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna A185F

Buying a Cessna A185F comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna A185F Skywagon is the float- and amphibian-capable branch of the 185 Skywagon line - a six-seat tailwheel utility single with a 300-hp Continental IO-520 and the load-hauling, short-field, and water capability the Skywagon is known for. It is a working airplane first, shopped by buyers who need backcountry, cargo, or float utility rather than cruise comfort.

Tailwheel utility and float capability. The A185F carries heavy loads out of short, rough strips on wheels, floats, or skis. Configuration and mission history dominate its value: a saltwater float aircraft and a dry-climate landplane with similar hours are very different buys. It requires tailwheel proficiency and rewards it with genuine utility.

IO-520 power. The 300-hp Continental IO-520 gives the Skywagon its load-hauling ability. Engine history, propeller condition, and engine-mount and gearbox loads from hard use are the primary pre-buy items - along with corrosion, which matters especially on float and amphibious aircraft.

A185F versus a 206. Against the tricycle-gear 206, the A185F is more backcountry- and float-oriented but demands more tailwheel skill; the 206 offers easier ground handling for many owners. Against a 180, the 185 brings more power and load.

Buy it if you need rugged tailwheel utility with float, cargo, or backcountry capability, have tailwheel time, and are prepared to inspect hard-use history and corrosion thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna A185F

Why is the Cessna A185F Skywagon so popular for bush flying?
The A185F can lift more than its own weight — useful load of 1,680 lbs is about 200 lbs more than empty weight. With 300 HP Continental IO-520-D, big barn-door flaps (stall under 45 kts), and tailwheel ruggedness, skilled pilots land in 300-foot clearings. It handles floats, skis, and tundra tires equally well. No modern production airplane matches its combination of payload, STOL performance, and durability.
What are the known issues with the Cessna 185 Skywagon?
Landing difficulty is the top concern — the 185 will not tolerate lazy rudder work in crosswinds, and nose-overs from aggressive braking are well-documented in accident reports. The cabin is narrow at 41 inches (never got the wider fuselage bulge). Older bladder fuel tanks can develop problems. Parts are plentiful and generic, but the airplane demands a skilled tailwheel pilot.
What does a Cessna A185F cost to buy and operate?
Mid-1970s A185Fs with 5,500+ hours run about 40K. Lower-hour later models start at 00K, and fully tricked-out examples reach 50K+. Operating costs are 75/hr variable with 15.5 GPH fuel burn (3/hr at /gal). Annual inspection ,000-,000. The IO-520-D engine overhaul runs 5K-5K at 1,700 hrs TBO. Float-equipped versions command 20-30% premium.

Cessna A185F Inventory by Country

United States18
Canada6
Switzerland1
South Africa1

Cessna A185F Inventory by State

Oregon4
Texas4
Alaska4
Illinois2
Oklahoma2
Washington2
Florida2
Idaho2

Cessna A185F by Price

Under $200k7
Under $300k36
Under $500k63

Cessna A185F by Decade

1970s1

Recently Sold Cessna A185F

1980 A185F$269,000

Cessna A185F Safety Record

Across all A185F variants, 308 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2026. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

308

Total Events

215

Incidents

13

Serious

45

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Feb 15, 2026 Everglades City, FL Fatal (1) —
Aug 23, 2025 Lakeview, OR Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, in gusting crosswind conditions.
Aug 22, 2025 Bangor, ME Fatal (1) —
Aug 18, 2025 Haines, AK Incident The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing area resulting in an on-ground collision with an obscured log and a main …
Jul 19, 2025 Lansing, MI Incident The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing in a crossw…

NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna A185F variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

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.
Listings last refreshed 2 days ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data