Cessna 182 Beginner's Guide

Why the Cessna 182 for Experienced Beginners

The Cessna 182 Skylane is often called the 172's "older brother." While built on similar design principles, the 182 adds significant power, speed, and capability. For buyers ready to move beyond trainer aircraft, the 182 offers an excellent balance of familiarity and capability.

Significant Power and Performance Upgrade

The 182 produces 230+ hp compared to the 172's 160 hp. This translates to 40+ mph speed advantage (140 vs 100 mph cruise), better climb performance (900+ vs 600 fpm), and superior runway performance. For cross-country flying, the difference is dramatic.

Excellent Backcountry and Rough-Field Capability

Many 182 owners use them for backcountry operations. The powerful engine, large flaps, rugged landing gear, and excellent short-field performance make the 182 ideal for remote operations. Many backcountry pilots standardize on 182s.

Proven Reliability and Maintenance

Built on similar Cessna airframe and engine principles as the 172, the 182 benefits from widespread mechanic expertise, abundant spare parts, and proven design. Maintenance is straightforward, though the higher-power engine requires attentive care.

Excellent Useful Load

Useful load typically 850-950 lbs depending on year/variant. This allows 4-5 people plus modest fuel, or 2-3 people with long-range fuel. Significantly better than 172s, making the 182 practical for meaningful loads.

Strong Resale and Owner Community

182s are highly desired by experienced pilots. Strong resale market, active owner associations, and excellent community support make 182 ownership accessible and rewarding.

Cessna 182 Pricing and Market

Market Price Ranges

• 1970s-1980s Models: $75,000-$120,000 (original systems, basic avionics)
• 1990s Models: $120,000-$150,000 (improved avionics, engines)
• 2000s+ Models: $150,000-$180,000 (modern avionics, lower time)
• Glass Cockpit Retrofit: $180,000-$210,000 (any year with G1000/G1000 NXi)

Factors Affecting Value

• Engine Power: 180-hp variants less expensive than 230-hp. 230-hp better for performance/altitude.
• Constant-Speed Propeller: Adds $20,000-30,000 to value vs. fixed-pitch variants.
• Total Time: 4,000-6,000 hours desirable. Every 1,000 hours difference: ~$10,000 value change.
• Avionics: Glass cockpit adds $40,000-60,000 vs. steam gauges.
• Annual Status: Fresh annual critical for premium-priced 182s.

Financing a Cessna 182

Down Payment & Loan Structure

For a $130,000 Cessna 182:

• 10% down ($13,000): Finance $117,000. 15-year at 7% = $1,374/month
• 15% down ($19,500): Finance $110,500. 15-year at 7% = $1,298/month
• 20% down ($26,000): Finance $104,000. 15-year at 7% = $1,221/month

Larger down payments typically secure 0.5-1.0% better rates. Most 182 buyers target 15-20% down given higher purchase prices.

Operating Costs for 182 Owners

Annual Fixed Costs

• Insurance: $2,500-$4,000 (2-3% of hull value)
• Annual Inspection: $1,500-3,000
• Hangar: $300-500/month ($3,600-6,000/year)
• Registration/Misc: $500-1,000

Total Fixed: $7,500-$10,000/year

Variable Operating Costs

• Fuel: 182 burns 11-13 gph. At $7/gallon = $77-91/hour
• Maintenance: $35-50/hour
• Engine Reserve: $10-12/hour toward overhaul

Variable Per Hour: $120-$160

Total Ownership Example (150 hours/year)

• Fixed: $8,750
• Variable (150 hours × $140): $21,000
• Loan payment (15-year, $105K at 7%): $1,232/month ($14,784/year)
• Total Annual: $44,534
• Cost Per Hour: $297

Pre-Buy Inspection & Maintenance for 182s

Pre-buy inspection ($2,500-4,000) essential for 182s. Specific items:

• Constant-Speed Propeller: Complex system requiring thorough inspection.
• Engine Condition: Higher-power engine requires scrupulous maintenance verification.
• Airframe Inspection: Look for stress cracks, corrosion, damage history.
• Landing Gear: Verify condition and operation of gear system.
• Avionics: If equipped with older avionics, budget for modern glass cockpit upgrade.

Annual inspection typically $1,500-3,000. Engine overhaul ($25,000-30,000) expected at 2,000-2,400 hours. Budget $20,000-25,000 in engine reserves.

Insurance for 182 Owners

Hull insurance: $2,500-4,000/year for $130,000 182. Rates depend on pilot experience, total hours, and 182-specific experience. Liability: $1M/$1M ($300-600).

182 insurance is reasonable for experienced pilots. Building hours in 182s before buying reduces future premiums.

Next Steps: Upgrading to a 182

1. Assess your mission. Does a 182's performance/capability match your needs?
2. Calculate budget. Use our affordability calculator for $100-150K range.
3. Get pre-approved. Contact 3-4 lenders for 182 financing.
4. Research mechanics. Find 182-knowledgeable mechanics in your area.
5. Get insurance quotes. Verify insurance costs for your profile.
6. Arrange pre-buy. Hire experienced 182 mechanic for thorough evaluation.
7. Finalize financing. You're upgrading to serious aviation capability.