Cessna A188B Aircraft

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The Cessna A188B Ag Truck is a single-seat agricultural aircraft designed for crop dusting and aerial application. Burning approximately 14 gallons per hour, the Ag Truck features a rugged airframe, chemical hopper, and spray equipment. It appeals to agricultural operators and aerial applicators who need a proven, affordable spray platform.

Cessna aircraft

· 1-seat · Reference price ~$90,000 ($50,000–$160,000) · updated recently

Cessna A188B Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna A188B is a 1-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 110–115 kt (204–213 km/h), a range of 400 nm (741 km), and a useful load of 1,700–2,000 lbs (771–907 kg).

Performance
Cruise110–115 kt (204–213 km/h)
Max Speed125–128 kt (232–237 km/h)
Range400 nm (741 km)
Service Ceiling14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL IO-520-D
Horsepower300 HP
Fuel Capacity75.0 gal (284 L)
Fuel Burn14.0–15.0 GPH (53–57 L/h)
TBO1,500 hrs
ICAO TypeC188
Weights & Seats
Seats1
Max Gross Weight3,300–4,000 lbs (1,497–1,814 kg)
Useful Load1,700–2,000 lbs (771–907 kg)
Production1988–1994

Cessna A188B for Sale

No Cessna A188B currently listed for sale.

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Cessna A188B Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
188 1966–1985 1 115 kts (213 km/h) 400 nm (741 km) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) — A purpose-built agricultural aircraft — for an operator who needs a rugged single-seat crop-duster and sprayer. 1

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Cessna A188B Price & Cost

Cessna A188B 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 A188B 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 1,500 hrs)$35,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Consistent with the 188 line: around 14-15 gph, Continental IO-520-D overhaul cost, and an ag-enhanced annual inspection. Chemical maintenance is the primary long-term cost variable. Operating economics are managed on a per-acre commercial basis rather than a per-hour personal-flying basis.

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

Buying a Used Cessna A188B

Buying a Cessna A188B comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna A188B Ag Truck is a single-seat agricultural taildragger - a 300-hp Continental IO-520-D, cruising around 110 knots, purpose-built for aerial application. It is the more developed member of the Cessna 188 agricultural line, carrying the "Ag Truck" designation with refinements to the hopper, spray system, and airframe over the earlier AgWagon.

A188B within the 188 family. The Cessna ag line progressed through the 188 AgWagon, A188, and A188B Ag Truck, with incremental improvements. The A188B pairs the 300-hp IO-520-D with an ag-optimized airframe. Hopper and payload capacity vary by configuration and equipment - buyers should verify actual capacity against the specific aircraft's documentation.

Agricultural platform considerations. The same ag pre-buy principles apply as to the base 188: chemical corrosion inspection of the hopper and spray system is the critical item beyond a standard pre-buy, and the IO-520-D is well-supported for maintenance. Chemical-exposure history drives long-term airframe condition.

Buy it if you are an ag operator for whom the A188B's configuration, condition, and price fit your aerial application work - and will inspect the ag-specific systems and chemical-exposure history thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna A188B

What is the Cessna A188B AgTruck?
The Cessna A188B AgTruck is a single-seat agricultural (crop-dusting) aircraft from the Cessna AgWagon family, with a large hopper for chemicals and a rugged airframe built for low-level spraying. It uses a Continental engine of around 300 hp and is a purpose-built workhorse for aerial application rather than a passenger or touring aircraft.
What is the A188B used for?
Aerial application — crop spraying and dusting. The single seat, large chemical hopper, low-speed handling for spray runs, and durable structure are all optimised for agricultural work. The type remains in agricultural service in some regions, though many have been retired or converted.
What should I inspect on a used A188B?
The airframe for corrosion and chemical-related deterioration (agricultural use is hard on structures), the engine condition and TBO, the hopper and dispersal system, and a complete history of agricultural operations (which accumulate cycles and stress quickly). A pre-buy by a shop experienced with ag aircraft is essential.
Is the A188B practical for non-agricultural use?
Not really — it is a single-seat, mission-specific crop-duster. Its value is to agricultural operators who need an aerial-application aircraft. For any passenger, touring, or training role a conventional Cessna single is the appropriate choice; the A188B is bought for the spraying mission.
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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