Skylane Cessna 182 -
The Cessna 182 Skylane is widely regarded as one of the most successful all-around general aviation aircraft ever designed, earning the nickname of the "flying pickup truck" for its impressive useful load and rugged reliability. Since its introduction in 1956, over 24,000 units have been produced, making it Cessna's second most popular model still in production after the 172. It is the definitive "step-up" plane for pilots moving from a training-oriented Cessna 172 to a more capable cross-country machine. Key Performance Specifications
Avionics and Systems:
In 1956, Cessna released the 182 Skylane. It married the powerful 230-horsepower engine of the Cessna 180 with the tricycle landing gear of the popular 172. It was an instant hit. skylane cessna 182
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. The Cessna 182 Skylane is widely regarded as
- The Wing: Unlike the 172’s 36-foot wingspan, the 182 spans 36 feet as well, but the airfoil is thicker and the structure is significantly heavier. The "Omni-Vision" rear window (introduced in the 1960s) not only looks cool but reduces drag.
- The Engine: The beating heart of most legacy Skylanes is the Continental O-470 series. The modern 182T uses the Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5, producing 230 horsepower. This is 70 more horses than a standard 172. That extra power translates directly into climb rate and payload.
- The Fuselage: The rear windows are flat, but the airframe utilizes a semi-monocoque aluminum design. The landing gear is famously robust; you can land a Skylane firmly without fear of collapsing the struts.
The sun was just beginning to dip toward the horizon, painting the Kansas plains in streaks of burnt orange, when Elias pulled the hangar doors open. There she sat: November-8-2-Delta, a 1972 Cessna 182P Skylane. The Wing: Unlike the 172’s 36-foot wingspan, the
Part 3: Performance – The Sweet Spot
Why do pilots love flying the 182? Because it does everything well enough.