Cessna 182 Skylane Cost of Ownership

The Cessna 182 Skylane: Performance and Capability

The Cessna 182 Skylane represents a significant step up from the 172. With more powerful engines, better climb performance, superior payload capacity, and optional turbocharged variants, the 182 attracts serious pilots needing genuine capability. Bush pilots love 182s for remote operations. Mountain pilots appreciate the climb performance. Business users value the reliability and useful load.

However, 182 ownership comes at considerably higher cost than 172s. Acquisition prices are 50-100% higher. Operating costs run $180-$200/hour all-in. Annual expenses reach $18,000+. This guide examines every cost dimension of 182 ownership.

Why Pilots Choose the Cessna 182

The 182's appeal stems from genuine capability improvements over the 172. Superior climb performance makes high-elevation operations practical. Increased useful load enables heavier payloads and longer endurance. More powerful engine delivers better speed (140+ mph vs 130 mph). For bush pilots, mountain operators, and serious users, these capabilities justify the premium cost.

The 182 is also infinitely more reliable and dependable than homebuilts or experimental aircraft, with proven design and abundant parts availability. Resale value holds reasonably well, supporting long-term ownership economics.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

New Aircraft Pricing (2024-2025)

A new Cessna 182 costs approximately $500,000-$600,000 depending on avionics and customization. Turbo-normalized variants cost $50,000-$100,000 more.

Used Aircraft Market Pricing

Used 182 pricing varies dramatically by age and configuration:

• Vintage Models (1970s-1980s): $50,000-$150,000 - Entry-level pricing, but may require restoration work
• Mid-Range (1990s-2000s): $100,000-$250,000 - More reliable, better condition, reasonable pricing
• Recent Models (2010-2015): $250,000-$400,000 - Modern avionics options, lower time, excellent condition
• Latest Models (2015+): $400,000-$600,000 - Newest technology, minimal hours, full warranties

Key Price Factors

• Turbo vs. Non-Turbo: Turbo models cost $40,000-$80,000 more; higher operating costs
• Engine Time: Engines near TBO (1,800+ hours) reduce value $20,000-$30,000
• Total Hours: Each 1,000 hours = $12,000-$20,000 value difference
• Annual Status: Fresh inspection adds $5,000-$8,000; annuals due reduce value $10,000-$15,000

Financing a Cessna 182

Down Payment Requirements

Lenders typically require 10-20% down. For a typical $250,000 purchase:

• 10% down: $25,000 cash, $225,000 financed
• 15% down: $37,500 cash, $212,500 financed
• 20% down: $50,000 cash, $200,000 financed

Loan Terms and Rates

Terms typically range 10-20 years at 6-8% rates. Example monthly payments for $200,000 loan:

• 10 years at 7%: $2,326/month ($27,912/year)
• 15 years at 7%: $1,722/month ($20,664/year)
• 20 years at 7%: $1,520/month ($18,240/year)

Insurance Costs

Hull and Liability Coverage

For a $250,000 Cessna 182:

• Hull Coverage: $1,500-$2,500 annually (0.6-1.0% of hull value)
• Liability: $300-$500 annually
• Combined Total: $1,800-$3,000 annually

Fuel and Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption

Non-turbo 182s burn approximately 10-12 GPH; turbo models burn 12-14 GPH. At current fuel prices:

• At $5/gallon: $50-$70/hour
• At $6/gallon: $60-$84/hour
• At $7/gallon: $70-$98/hour

Maintenance and Reserves

• Annual Inspection: $1,200-$1,800
• Routine Maintenance: $30-$50/hour
• Engine Reserve: $12-$18/hour toward overhaul

Hourly Variable Operating Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $85-$125/hour including fuel, maintenance, oil, and reserves. Turbo models cost 20-25% more per hour.

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar: $700-$900/year
• Insurance: $1,800-$3,000
• Annual Inspection: $1,200-$1,800
• Accessories: $400-$600

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $4,100-$6,300

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year (Non-Turbo)

Aircraft purchased at $250,000 with 15% down ($37,500), $212,500 financed at 7% over 15 years:

• Loan payment: $1,573/month ($18,876/year)
• Fixed costs: $5,100
• Fuel (100 hours × $66): $6,600
• Maintenance (100 hours × $40): $4,000
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $15): $1,500
• Annual inspection: $1,400
• Total Annual Cost: $37,476
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $375

Scenario 2: 200 Flight Hours/Year

Same aircraft and financing:

• Loan payment: $18,876/year
• Fixed costs: $5,100
• Fuel (200 hours × $66): $13,200
• Maintenance (200 hours × $40): $8,000
• Engine reserve (200 hours × $15): $3,000
• Annual inspection: $1,400
• Total Annual Cost: $49,576
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $248

182 vs. Comparable Aircraft

182 vs. Cessna 172

A 172 owner budgets $180-$220/hour. A 182 owner budgets $200-$375/hour. The premium reflects superior capability, payload, and performance.

182 vs. Piper Cherokee/Archer

Cherokee/Archer owners budget $150-$360/hour. 182 owners budget $200-$375/hour. Similar cost range, different performance characteristics (182 better climb/payload).

Is Cessna 182 Ownership Worth It?

At $200-$375/hour all-in, the Cessna 182 suits: - Bush pilots needing capability and reliability - Mountain operators requiring climb performance - Serious recreational pilots with substantial annual hours - Business users valuing proven dependability

For casual recreational fliers flying 50-75 hours annually, 182 costs become unsustainable. For serious operators, the capability justifies investment.

Sources and Citations

1. Pilot Passion (2025). "How Much Does A Cessna 182 Skylane Cost?" - Aircraft pricing and cost analysis. Retrieved from pilotpassion.com
2. Simple Flying (2024). "The Ultimate Guide To Owning A Cessna 182 Skylane" - Comprehensive ownership guide. Retrieved from simpleflying.com
3. Aircraft Cost Calculator (2024). "Cessna 182 operating costs" - Detailed cost analysis. Retrieved from aircraftcostcalculator.com
4. Controller.com & Trade-A-Plane - Aircraft market pricing. Retrieved from controller.com and trade-a-plane.com

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance rates, and maintenance expenses vary by location and circumstances. Always verify current costs before making purchase decisions.