Skylane Cessna 182 !!better!! Jun 2026
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".
Flying a 182 is an exercise in honest muscle. The controls are heavier than the 172’s—you are commanding a machine that knows it has weight to throw around. The cowl flaps gape open on the ground to cool that big engine, and when you rotate at 60 knots, the world doesn’t so much slip away as it gets decisively shoved down.
Late-model 182Ts often come with the glass cockpit – two large screens, integrated autopilot, terrain awareness, and traffic alerts. Many older models have been upgraded with modern "glass panel" retrofits (Garmin G5, G3X, Dynon, Avidyne), making the 182 a highly capable IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) platform. skylane cessna 182
The 182 has been produced almost continuously since 1956 (with a break from 1986-1996 during Cessna's production halt).
For most, the used market is the entry point to Skylane ownership. Here are a few key points to consider when searching. The Cessna 182 Skylane is not the fastest
The used market is flooded with models spanning 65+ years. Here is your buyer’s guide by era.
Modern Skylanes are typically powered by the Lycoming IO-540, a robust six-cylinder engine delivering 230 horsepower. This gives the aircraft a cruising speed of roughly 145 knots (167 mph) while maintaining excellent reliability. For many pilots, it is the absolute perfect
Produced from 1978 to 1986, the Retractable Gear (RG) variant features a hydraulic system that tucks the wheels into the fuselage. By eliminating parasitic drag, the R182 gains roughly 10–15 knots in cruise speed compared to its fixed-gear counterpart. Cessna also offered a turbocharged retractable version (TR182), which remains highly sought after on the used market. Operating and Maintenance Considerations
Because Cessna built over 23,000 Skylanes (and continues to build them), the parts market is immense. You can upgrade a 1965 182K with: