Cessna 182 Skylane- The Quintessential Light Airplane
The Cessna 182 Skylane is considered by many to be the very best of light airplanes. Although not produced in the same numbers as its smaller cousin the Cessna 172, and without the name recognition among the general population as the Cub, the Skylane is at the top end of what is practical for your everyday pilot.
The Cessna 182 was introduced in 1956 as a tricycle gear variant of the 180. In 1957, the 182A variant was introduced along with the name Skylane. Later models have added more powerful engines and bigger windows.
Situated in the Cessna lineup between the 172 and 206/210, the 182 is at the top end of what can be considered a simple airplane. Although the 182 has a controllable pitch propeller, it is not pressurized and most were built with fixed landing gear and non-tubrocharged engines. You thus have the relatively simple maintenance of a 172, the extra performance of an extra 80 hp, but only a couple of extra gallons of fuel flow at cruise.
The 182 is heavier and has a more solid feel than a 172, and is widely regarded as a very good plane for instrument flying due to its stability. The newest models with a G1000 glass cockpit and GFC 700 autopilot are a true model of capability and sophistication for a light airplane.
The Cessna 182 has four seats. However, like most small planes you will only see them full for short local flights. For longer trips the extra fuel and likelihood of luggage means that one or more seats will probably go empty. What you lose in people you definitely gain in range and endurance. Later 182's can carry 88 gallons of fuel, enough to easily remain aloft for six hours, which will exceed the endurance of the passengers if not the airplane.
Based on it's price, simplicity, ease of handling, durability and performance, the Skylane has earned its place as one of the most popular and respected light aircraft.
The Cessna 182 was introduced in 1956 as a tricycle gear variant of the 180. In 1957, the 182A variant was introduced along with the name Skylane. Later models have added more powerful engines and bigger windows.
Situated in the Cessna lineup between the 172 and 206/210, the 182 is at the top end of what can be considered a simple airplane. Although the 182 has a controllable pitch propeller, it is not pressurized and most were built with fixed landing gear and non-tubrocharged engines. You thus have the relatively simple maintenance of a 172, the extra performance of an extra 80 hp, but only a couple of extra gallons of fuel flow at cruise.
The 182 is heavier and has a more solid feel than a 172, and is widely regarded as a very good plane for instrument flying due to its stability. The newest models with a G1000 glass cockpit and GFC 700 autopilot are a true model of capability and sophistication for a light airplane.
The Cessna 182 has four seats. However, like most small planes you will only see them full for short local flights. For longer trips the extra fuel and likelihood of luggage means that one or more seats will probably go empty. What you lose in people you definitely gain in range and endurance. Later 182's can carry 88 gallons of fuel, enough to easily remain aloft for six hours, which will exceed the endurance of the passengers if not the airplane.
Based on it's price, simplicity, ease of handling, durability and performance, the Skylane has earned its place as one of the most popular and respected light aircraft.
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