The Cessna 182 Skylane is a four-seat, single-engine light aircraft recognized as one of the most versatile and reliable "workhorses" in general aviation. First introduced in 1956, it is essentially a tricycle-gear version of the Cessna 180 and remains a popular choice for cross-country travel, flight training, and backcountry flying. Key Performance Specifications
As of recent 2025–2026 data, the Skylane typically features the following capabilities: Speed: A cruise speed of approximately 145 knots (167 mph).
Range: Approximately 880 to 1,050 miles on a full tank, allowing for roughly 4 to 5 hours of flight time.
Payload: A useful load capacity of roughly 1,100 to 1,260 lbs, sufficient for four adults plus additional cargo.
Takeoff/Landing: Requires roughly 1,500 feet for takeoff and 1,350 feet for landing, making it suitable for shorter, regional runways. Notable Features & Variants
High-Wing Configuration: Provides excellent downward visibility for passengers and high stability during flight.
Tricycle Landing Gear: Makes the aircraft easier to taxi, take off, and land compared to conventional "taildragger" gear.
Variants: Over 23 models have been produced, including the R182 (Retractable Gear) for increased speed and the T182 (Turbocharged) for improved high-altitude performance.
Avionics & Safety: Modern models (like the 2026 Skylane) often include advanced safety equipment like collision avoidance systems and autopiloting. Common Use Cases
Cross-Country Travel: Its balance of speed and range makes it ideal for regional business or family trips.
Flight Training: Often used as a step-up trainer for pilots moving from smaller aircraft like the Cessna 172.
Backcountry Access: Its ability to handle short takeoff and landing (STOL) requirements allows access to remote strips.
Price of a New Cessna 182 (2026–2027): Complete Cost Guide - Jettly
The Cessna 182 Skylane is often hailed as the "SUV of the skies," a versatile and robust four-seat aircraft that has remained a cornerstone of general aviation for over 70 years. Since its introduction in 1956, it has bridged the gap between the entry-level Cessna 172 Skyhawk and more complex, high-performance twins. A Legacy of Evolution: 1956 to Present
The Cessna 182 was originally developed as a tricycle-gear version of the taildragger Cessna 180. While the early 1956 model was simply the "182," the "Skylane" nameplate debuted in 1957 with the 182A, featuring a deluxe equipment package that included full paint and wheel fairings.
Over the decades, the airframe underwent 23 distinct model revisions: CESSNA 182 Specifications, Performance, and Range skylane cessna 182
The Cessna 182 Skylane is widely regarded as the ultimate "mission" aircraft in general aviation, often described as a beefier, more capable version of the legendary Cessna 172. Since its debut in 1956, it has become one of the most produced and enduring models in Cessna's lineup, prized for its balance of power, range, and payload. Performance and Flight Dynamics
The Skylane is a true four-adult aircraft, capable of carrying a full load of passengers and fuel—a feat many smaller singles cannot achieve. 182 Market Report & Tips - Cessna Owner Organization
✈️ The Aviation Station Wagon The Cessna 182 Skylane is the undisputed "heavy hauler" of the light aircraft world. Introduced in 1956, it bridging the gap between basic trainers and complex, high-speed cross-country machines.
If the smaller Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a compact sedan, the Skylane is a classic, rugged V8 station wagon. It does not win speed races or beauty contests, but it comfortably carries four real adults, full fuel, and actual baggage without breaking a sweat—a feat few in its class can claim. 📊 Performance at a Glance
Depending on whether you are flying a legacy model or a modern glass-cockpit bird, the numbers generally fall into these brackets: Specification Engine 230 to 235 HP (Continental or Lycoming) Cruise Speed ~140 to 145 knots (up to 165 knots in turbos) Useful Load ~1,000 to 1,200 lbs Fuel Burn 11 to 14 gallons per hour Takeoff Run ~700 to 1,200 feet 👍 What We Love
The "Fill the Seats" Capability: In many light planes, you can have full fuel or full seats, but not both. The 182 laughs at this compromise. You can generally load up your friends, top off the tanks, and still safely fly out of a reasonable runway.
Stable IFR Platform: Because it is significantly heavier in control feel than a 172, it slices through turbulence beautifully. It is widely considered one of the best instruments (IFR) platforms for manual flying because it wants to stay where you put it.
Backcountry Friendly: Thanks to its high-wing design, massive flaps, and beefy landing gear, the 182 is a legendary staple for weekend grass-strip and mountain flying adventures.
Bulletproof Maintenance: Almost every general aviation mechanic on the planet knows how to fix a 182. Parts are highly accessible, making ownership far less of a headache than rarer airframes. 👎 The Realities of Ownership
A Nose-Heavy Beast: The large engine upfront makes the elevator controls feel very heavy. If a pilot fails to trim correctly on landing, it is notoriously easy to slam the nose gear into the runway, leading to expensive firewall repairs.
Thirstier Engine: Stepping up to that big 6-cylinder engine means you are moving from burning 8 gallons an hour in a 172 to roughly 12 to 14 gallons an hour in the 182.
The "Ralph Kramden" Experience: Reviewers often note that transitioning into a Skylane makes you feel less like a fighter pilot and more like a regal bus driver. You sit high and upright, and the control forces require real muscle. 🏆 The Verdict
The Cessna 182 Skylane is not the fastest plane in the sky, nor is it the most fuel-efficient. But it yields a masterclass in compromise. It gives you heavy hauling, short-field access, and predictable handling all in one highly reliable package. For many pilots, it is the absolute perfect "forever airplane".
The Cessna 182 Skylane: History & Review - Aviation Consumer
Today, Cessna (now part of Textron Aviation) still produces the Skylane 182T and the Turbo Skylane T182T, proving that the design has near-perfect longevity. The Cessna 182 Skylane is a four-seat, single-engine
The defining characteristic of the Skylane is its engine. Early models featured a 230-horsepower Continental O-470, while newer variants moved to fuel-injected and eventually Lycoming powerplants. Regardless of the specific variant, the Skylane offers a distinct performance boost over its little brother, the 172.
A typical Skylane cruises at around 145 knots (roughly 167 mph) and offers a useful load often exceeding 1,100 pounds. This is the "magic number" for families. In a Skyhawk, filling the seats often means leaving the fuel tanks half-empty. In a Skylane, you can fill four seats, bring luggage, and still carry enough fuel for a respectable four-hour flight with reserves. This hauling capability turned the 182 into the favored tool for ranchers, pipeline inspectors, and weekend travelers alike.
While not a Super Cub, a modified 182 on big tires (often called a "Bushlane" or "182 Bush Plane") is a serious backcountry machine. With constant-speed propeller and ample power, it can operate from rough strips, gravel bars, and high-altitude airports (e.g., Leadville, CO at 9,934 ft) where a 172 would be anemic.
The Skylane is often described as "over-built." That is its secret weapon.
Key Design Quirks:
If you are a private pilot who has spent years boring holes in the sky with a 172 or a Piper Cherokee, the Cessna 182 is the natural, logical, and arguably best next step.
It is the aircraft that gives you confidence. It says: "Yes, you can take your spouse and two kids to Florida for spring break. Yes, you can land on that grass strip at the fly-in. Yes, you can climb over that weather. Just point my nose up and add power."
The Cessna 182 Skylane isn't the fastest, sexiest, or most expensive plane in the hangar. But it is the one that will actually take you where you want to go, when you want to go, with everything you need. It is the ultimate working airplane, and its reputation as the "SUV of the Sky" is well-earned and enduring.
The Cessna 182 Skylane is one of the most popular and versatile four-seat, single-engine aircraft ever produced. Introduced in 1956, it is essentially a more powerful and capable evolution of the Cessna 172, designed for cross-country travel with a higher payload and faster cruise speed. Key Specifications (Modern 182T Model) Engine: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp). Seating: 4 people (1 pilot, 3 passengers). Cruise Speed: ~145 knots (167 mph). Useful Load: ~1,100 lbs. Range: ~800–930 nautical miles (approx. 1,720 km). Takeoff Distance: ~1,500 feet. Operational Highlights
Performance: The aircraft features a constant-speed propeller, allowing for optimized engine efficiency during different phases of flight (climb vs. cruise).
Handling: Known for stability and forgiving flight characteristics, it is often a preferred "step-up" plane for private pilots or even a primary trainer for those who can afford the higher operating costs.
Variants: Over its long production history, variants have included the Skylane RG (retractable gear) and Turbo Skylane (for high-altitude performance). Ownership & Cost Considerations
Price of a New Cessna 182 (2026–2027): Complete Cost Guide - Jettly
Assuming you want a descriptive text about the aircraft (since "Skylane" is the model name for the Cessna 182), here are a few options depending on the context you need:
Option 1: Descriptive/Informational "The Cessna 182 Skylane is a four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft renowned for its reliability and versatility. First introduced in 1956 as a tricycle-gear variant of the Cessna 180, the Skylane has become one of the most popular general aviation aircraft in history. It is widely praised for its stable flight characteristics, high useful load, and ability to operate from shorter runways, making it a favorite among private pilots and flight schools alike." Modern Restart (1997–2010) – $200,000–$350,000
Option 2: Brief/Summary "The Cessna 182 Skylane is a legendary high-wing aircraft produced by Cessna. Known for its rugged construction and excellent short-field performance, the Skylane serves as a capable cross-country touring aircraft and a reliable platform for flight training."
Option 3: Sales/Marketing Style "Experience the perfect blend of power and precision with the Cessna 182 Skylane. As a staple in the general aviation community, this high-wing monoplane offers exceptional visibility, a spacious cabin, and the performance needed for serious cross-country travel. Whether you are a student pilot or a seasoned aviator, the Skylane delivers a dependable and smooth flying experience."
Option 4: Technical Specification Style Aircraft Profile: Cessna 182 Skylane
The Cessna 182 Skylane is a high-performance, single-engine aircraft renowned as a versatile "workhorse" in the aviation world. Introduced as a more powerful successor to the popular Cessna 172, the Skylane has celebrated over 70 years of service, used globally for training, pleasure, and business. Key Features & Specifications
Power & Payload: Modern models feature a 230-hp engine and an impressive 1,110 lb useful load capability.
Performance: It offers a maximum speed of 280 km/h (151 knots) and a range of approximately 1,720 km.
Design: Maintains the classic high-wing configuration, which provides stability at low speeds and easier exits, making it a favorite in the skydiving industry.
Variants: Over its long history, variants have included turbocharged engines for high-altitude performance and retractable landing gear (the R182) for increased speed. Performance Data Specification Crew/Passenger Capacity 1 Pilot / 3 Passengers Cruise Speed 269 km/h (approx. 145 knots) Rate of Climb Empty Weight Maximum Takeoff Weight Ownership & Operation
Cost: A brand new Cessna 182 Skylane typically ranges from $675,000 to $745,000.
Operating Costs: Owners report burning about 13 gallons of fuel per hour. Maintenance is generally straightforward, as most shops worldwide are familiar with the 182.
Handling: While stable, the 182 is heavier and more complex than the 172. It may require continuous trimming in flight due to its massive airfoil and sensitivity to wind gusts. Common Issues
Prospective buyers should be aware of potential fuel contamination risks linked to certain flush-style fuel caps and bladder tanks, as well as a susceptibility to carburetor ice in older models. Cessna Skylane - Textron Aviation
This is where the Skylane shines. While not a Super Cub, a skilled pilot can get a 182 off the ground in under 800 feet and clear a 50-foot obstacle. Landing distance is similar. This is why the Skylane is the unofficial aircraft of the Alaskan bush.
Note: The Cessna 182 is NOT a floatplane, right? Wrong. There are prolific aftermarket floats (Wipline, EDO) that turn the Skylane into a capable seaplane, further proving its utility.