| Specification | Detail | |---------------|--------| | Engine | Continental O-470 (230 HP) or Lycoming IO-540 (260 HP in newer models) | | Cruise Speed | 145–160 knots (167–184 mph) | | Range | 800–1,000+ nautical miles (with reserves) | | Useful Load | 1,100–1,400+ lbs (4 adults, bags, and full fuel is easy) | | Service Ceiling | 18,000+ ft (non-turbo) | | Takeoff Distance (50ft obstacle) | ~1,500 ft |
It flies like a bigger, heavier 172 – which is to say, very stable. It's not sporty; it's solid. This makes it an excellent instrument training platform and cross-country cruiser. Passengers appreciate the smooth, confident ride.
The Cessna 182 Skylane is not the flashiest, fastest, or most economical plane. But it is arguably the most practical single-engine piston aircraft ever made for the average pilot who needs to actually go places with stuff.
It forgives mistakes, rewards good planning, and keeps flying long after smaller planes have turned back. If the Cessna 172 is the world's most popular trainer, the 182 is the world's most popular doer.
One pilot's quote sums it up: "When in doubt, fly the 182. It won't win a drag race, but it will win the trip."
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 skylane cessna 182
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 a popular, single-engine, four-seat aircraft that has been widely used for general aviation, flight training, and personal flying since its introduction in 1956. Here are some key features and facts about the Cessna 182 Skylane:
General Characteristics:
Performance:
Avionics and Systems:
Variations:
Safety Features:
Maintenance and Operating Costs:
Pros and Cons:
Overall, the Cessna 182 Skylane is a reliable and popular aircraft that has been a staple of general aviation for decades. Its forgiving nature, ease of handling, and robust airframe make it a great choice for flight training, touring, and personal flying. However, its relatively high operating costs and limited useful load capacity should be carefully considered by potential owners.
The Cessna 182 Skylane is one of general aviation's most enduring and versatile aircraft, widely regarded as the ultimate "step-up" plane for pilots transitioning from the smaller Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Since its introduction in 1956, it has become the second-most popular Cessna model ever produced, beloved for its rare balance of speed, payload capacity, and stable flight characteristics. The Evolution of the Skylane
The 182 began as a tricycle-gear variant of the taildragging Cessna 180. While early models featured a straight vertical tail and small windows, the aircraft evolved significantly over seven decades:
Early Innovations: The "Skylane" name was introduced in 1957 for a deluxe version of the 182A. Major design updates followed, including the "Omni-Vision" wrap-around rear window in 1962 and a wider fuselage for increased cabin comfort.
The RG Era (1978–1986): Cessna introduced the Skylane RG (R182), a retractable-gear version that offered a 10–15% improvement in cruise speed and fuel economy at the cost of higher maintenance.
Restart and Modernization: After a production hiatus (1986–1996), the 182 returned with the 182S model, moving from Continental to fuel-injected Lycoming engines. Modern variants like the 182T and T182T (Turbo) now come standard with the Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit. Performance and Specifications
The Skylane is often called a "load hauler" because it can carry nearly anything you can fit through the doors. Performance:
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."
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 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
In 2023, Textron eAviation announced concepts for electric aircraft, and there is constant speculation about a hybrid-electric Cessna 182. Given the Skylane’s massive cabin and payload capacity, it is the ideal testbed for a parallel hybrid system (electric motor assisting the Lycoming for takeoff and climb).
For now, the standard Skylane Cessna 182 remains the most popular used airplane on Trade-A-Plane and Controller.com. It is a safe investment. Well-maintained models appreciate slightly each year, as demand for fixed-gear haulers outpaces supply. Avionics and Systems: