Skylane Cessna 182 May 2026

Quick takeaway: The Cessna 182 Skylane is a practical, reliable workhorse—ideal for owners needing payload, range, and forgiving handling rather than cutting-edge speed or luxury.

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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

The modern Cessna 182T and its turbocharged counterpart, the T182T, offer a balance of speed and utility that few other single-engine pistons can match.

Engine & Power: Equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 air-cooled flat-six engine producing 230 hp (normally aspirated).

Cruise Speed: Typically cruises at 145 knots (167 mph), while the turbocharged model can reach 165 knots at higher altitudes.

Useful Load: A standout feature is its 1,110 lb useful load, allowing it to carry four adults and full fuel—a rare feat for its class. skylane cessna 182

Range: Offers a maximum range of 915 to 930 nautical miles, providing over 6 hours of endurance.

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

Over nearly seven decades, the Skylane has evolved through 23 distinct variants to meet modern technological standards.

The Cessna 182 Skylane is often hailed as the "SUV of the skies," a versatile and robust four-seat aircraft that has remained a cornerstone of general aviation for over 70 years. Since its introduction in 1956, it has bridged the gap between the entry-level Cessna 172 Skyhawk and more complex, high-performance twins. A Legacy of Evolution: 1956 to Present

The Cessna 182 was originally developed as a tricycle-gear version of the taildragger Cessna 180. While the early 1956 model was simply the "182," the "Skylane" nameplate debuted in 1957 with the 182A, featuring a deluxe equipment package that included full paint and wheel fairings.

Over the decades, the airframe underwent 23 distinct model revisions: CESSNA 182 Specifications, Performance, and Range Quick takeaway: The Cessna 182 Skylane is a

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.

She wasn't the sleekest bird on the ramp, but she was sturdy. To Elias, the 182 was the "pickup truck of the skies"—strong enough to carry a full load of fuel and four adults without breaking a sweat, yet gentle enough to forgive a bounced landing.

He climbed inside, the familiar scent of aged leather and aviation fuel greeting him like an old friend. After the rhythmic "clear prop!" and the cough of the Continental O-470 engine, the airframe vibrated with a reassuring hum.

Taxing out, the Skylane felt heavy and planted. But the moment Elias pushed the throttle forward for takeoff, that weight turned into pure authority. The high-wing design offered a panoramic view as the ground fell away. Below, the patchwork quilt of farmland stretched forever, and for the first time all week, the noise of the world was replaced by the steady, rhythmic drone of the propeller.

He leveled off at 4,500 feet, trimmed the nose, and leaned back. The Skylane didn't twitch or hunt; it simply held its line through the sky. As the first stars blinked into existence, Elias realized he wasn't just flying a machine; he was riding a legacy of gold-standard engineering that had been carrying dreamers home for decades. If you'd like to dive deeper into this aircraft, I can:

Give you a breakdown of its performance specs (speed, range, etc.) The Skylane is not without its faults

Explain the main differences between the 182 and its smaller sibling, the 172 Look up the current market price for a used Skylane

The Skylane is not without its faults.

Production of the 182 stopped briefly in the mid-1980s, but Cessna restarted the line in 1996 with the 182S, followed by the current 182T (produced until 2023, with plans for a new version coming).

The modern 182T is a technological marvel compared to its 1960s ancestors. It features:

However, with a price tag hovering near $800,000 (new), most pilots will happily buy a well-maintained 1970s model for $120,000–$180,000 and fly it for another 40 years.

In the pantheon of general aviation aircraft, few names command as much respect and loyalty as the Skylane Cessna 182. For over six decades, this high-performance, four-seat, single-engine workhorse has bridged the gap between the ubiquitous Cessna 172 (Skyhawk) and the complex, expensive Cessna 206 Stationair.

If the Cessna 172 is the Toyota Corolla of the sky—reliable, easy, and economical—the Cessna Skylane 182 is the legendary Ford F-150: brawnier, faster, more capable of hauling a heavy load, and built to handle rough conditions. From bush pilots in the Alaskan wilderness to private owners flying weekend cross-countries, the Skylane is the pilot’s choice when the Skyhawk simply isn’t enough.

Let’s dive deep into what makes the Skylane Cessna 182 the most successful high-performance utility aircraft ever built.