Skylane Cessna 182 Jun 2026
The 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
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.
From an ownership perspective, the Skylane represents a sweet spot in aviation economics. Because it utilizes a fixed landing gear and a simplistic airframe design, maintenance costs remain predictable. The massive global fleet ensures that replacement parts are readily available and that virtually any aviation maintenance technician is familiar with the airframe.
The "Skylane" name was coined to evoke a "sky highway" – smooth, stable, and capable. skylane cessna 182
The Cessna 182 was introduced in 1956 as a tricycle-gear variant of the popular taildragger Cessna 180. It was marketed as the "Skylane" from the start, offering a higher level of standard equipment than the base 182 model.
In the pantheon of general aviation aircraft, few names command as much respect and affection as the Cessna 182 Skylane. Sandwiched between its legendary little brother, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk (the world’s most popular trainer), and the burly Cessna 185 Skywagon, the 182 has carved out a unique identity. It isn’t just a faster 172, nor is it a stripped-down utility plane. The Skylane is widely regarded as the ultimate personal cross-country machine—the "SUV of the sky."
Produced between 1978 and 1986, the R182 and TR182 featured retractable landing gear. Folding the wheels into the fuselage reduced aerodynamic drag, boosting cruise speeds to around 155–160 knots. While popular, they require more intensive maintenance than the fixed-gear variants. Avionics and Modern Technology The is one of the most popular and
The 182T is introduced, eventually incorporating the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit.
Modern Cessna 182s (manufactured in the 21st century) feature advanced avionics, such as the Garmin G1000 suite, which provides high situational awareness and improved safety for IFR flight. The aircraft is fully equipped for both day/night visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). 5. Why the 182 Holds Up Today
Even in accidents, the numbers are favorable. About 27% of 182 accidents are fatal, compared to 45% for the newer and faster Cirrus SR22, another popular aircraft in its class. Seating: 4 people (1 pilot, 3 passengers)
| Specification | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | | 4 (with optional 2 child seats) | | Length | 29 ft | | Wingspan | 36 ft | | Cabin Width | 42 in | | Engine | Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5, 230 hp | | Propeller | Constant-speed, three-blade | | Maximum Gross Weight | 3,100 lb | | Useful Load | 1,110 lb | | Fuel Capacity | 87 gal (84 gal usable) | | Baggage Capacity | 200 lb |
Let’s talk money. Owning a 182 is not cheap, but it is cheaper than a Cirrus SR22 or a Bonanza.