Skylane Cessna 182 |work| Jun 2026

The 182D introduced the iconic swept-back vertical stabilizer, improving aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

The Skylane was originally developed as a tricycle-gear version of the Cessna 180. While the 180 was a rugged taildragger suited for the backcountry, Cessna recognized a growing market for a more stable, easier-to-land "land-o-matic" design. The 182 was born, and by the late 1950s, the "Skylane" name was introduced to represent the deluxe, fully-equipped trim level.

The Skylane’s production history is a testament to its resilience. Production continued until 1986 when a surge in product liability lawsuits forced Cessna to halt all single-engine piston production. The aircraft lay dormant until the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act in 1994, which Cessna cited as a key factor in its decision to restart the production line. The modern era began in 1997 with the introduction of the 182S, which swapped the traditional Continental engine for a new fuel-injected Lycoming powerplant. The Skylane has remained in continuous production ever since, currently as the 182T and T182T models, celebrated for their advanced Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits.

Modern variants are typically powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six engine, producing 230 horsepower.

While the Skylane is a step up in capability from a basic trainer, it also brings a step up in operating costs and pilot requirements. skylane cessna 182

Modern Skylanes are powered by the Lycoming IO-540, a fuel-injected, six-cylinder engine producing 230 horsepower. Older models utilize the carbureted Continental O-470 engine. Both powerplants are legendary for their longevity and ability to reach their Time Between Overhaul (TBO) with minimal fuss. Speed and Range

The Cessna 182 was developed as a tricycle-gear variant of the tailwheel Cessna 180. The nosewheel configuration transformed accessibility, making land-o-matic landings easier for private pilots.

Capable of operating on short runways, with a takeoff ground roll of approximately 795 feet and landing roll of 590 feet . Evolution and Variants

The first Cessna 182 debuts with a straight tail and a Continental O-470 engine. The 182 was born, and by the late

| | Cessna 172 Skyhawk | Cessna 182 Skylane | Cessna 206 Stationair | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Role | Primary trainer, basic personal travel | Versatile personal & utility aircraft | Heavy-haul utility, cargo, aerial work | | Engine (HP) | Lycoming IO-360-L2A (180 hp) | Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp) | Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A (310 hp) | | Max Cruise Speed | 124 kts | 145 kts | 161 kts | | Standard Seats | 4 | 4 | 6 | | Useful Load | ~900 lbs | ~1,110 lbs | ~1,600 lbs | | Max Range | 640 nm | 915 nm | 703 nm | | Base Price | $415,000 | $530,000 | $745,000 |

It isn't the most graceful plane. It floats in ground effect like a hovercraft and burns 13–15 gallons per hour, sipping avgas with the enthusiasm of a thirsty V6. But the Skylane isn't for the penny-pincher or the aerobat. It is for the backcountry pilot landing on a gravel bar in Idaho, the family crossing the Rockies to see Grandma, and the pilot who wants a door that opens wide enough to load a refrigerator .

The Skylane is often described as a "go-places" airplane because it offers a significant step up in speed, range, and lifting power compared to entry-level trainers. The Engine

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 aircraft lay dormant until the passage of

The Skylane is a step up from the ubiquitous Cessna 172, offering significantly more power and speed.

Owning an airplane is never cheap, but the Cessna 182 is one of the most economically viable high-performance aircraft to maintain.

The used market is flooded with models spanning 65+ years. Here is your buyer’s guide by era.

The aircraft retains the docile, stable flight characteristics that made Cessna high-wing designs famous. It is forgiving of minor errors and predictable in the pattern. However, the extra horsepower introduces a welcome wrinkle: performance.

| | Estimated Hourly Cost (2026) | Annual Cost (100 Hours) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Fuel & Oil (12.5 GPH @ $6/Gal) | $80 - $90 | $8,000 - $9,000 | | Engine Reserve (TBO ~$45,000) | $35 - $45 | $3,500 - $4,500 | | Maintenance & Inspections | $25 - $35 | $2,500 - $3,500 | | Hangar/Tie-down | $15 - $25 | $1,500 - $2,500 | | Insurance | $15 - $25 | $1,500 - $2,500 | | Total Estimated "All-in" Cost | $180 - $220 | $18,000 - $22,000 |