Cessna 182 Skylane Cost of Ownership: Versatile High-Performance Single for Backcountry and Personal Flying
The Cessna 182 Skylane is the high-performance variant of the Cessna 172 family, offering more power, better climb performance, and greater useful load while maintaining the 172's famous reliability and ease of operation. Produced continuously since 1956 with numerous improvements and variants, the 182 is beloved by bush pilots, personal aviators, and anyone needing a versatile single-engine aircraft. The modern 182T turbocharged variant offers impressive high-altitude capability. Here's the comprehensive financial picture of ownership.
Cost Overview: Cessna 182 Skylane
Purchase Price
$50,000–$350,000
Annual Fixed Costs
(100 hrs)
$4,500–$6,000
Hourly Operating Cost
$120–$180/hr
Fuel Burn
12–15 GPH
Purchase Cost: Finding Value in Versatile High-Performance Single
The Cessna 182 Skylane has been in continuous production since 1956 with numerous variants including the basic 182, 182A-K models, T182T turbocharged variants, and modern variants. Early models remain affordable while later models with better systems and higher horsepower cost more.
Current Market Prices (2024-2025):
Used Cessna 182 Skylane aircraft range from $50,000 (high-time early 1960s-1970s models) to $350,000 (well-maintained 2002-2011 models with low hours and modern avionics). Typical good-condition examples from the 1980s-1990s average $100,000-$200,000. Modern turbocharged 182T variants cost significantly more. Brand-new models cost approximately $500,000-$600,000.
What Affects Pricing: Engine time since major overhaul is critical. Aircraft with 0-400 SMOH command premiums. Total airframe hours impact value. Avionics packages vary—glass cockpit retrofits add significant value. Turbocharged versus naturally aspirated impacts acquisition cost. Condition of paint, interior, and general airframe affects pricing. Complete maintenance records support valuations.
Fuel Consumption and Operating Economics
The Cessna 182 Skylane's fuel consumption is exceptional for a high-performance single-engine aircraft, making it economical for substantial distances and altitude capability.
Fuel Burn Specifications:
The Cessna 182 Skylane burns approximately 12-15 gallons per hour depending on model and power settings. This translates to fuel costs of:
- At $5.00/gallon: $60-$75 per flight hour
- At $5.40/gallon: $65-$81 per flight hour
- At $6.00/gallon: $72-$90 per flight hour
Fuel represents approximately 45-55% of hourly variable operating costs. The 182's exceptional efficiency combined with its high-performance capability makes it extraordinarily economical for personal and backcountry flying.
Engine Overhaul and Maintenance
The Cessna 182 uses proven Continental engines with excellent reliability and straightforward maintenance.
Engine Specifications:
Most Cessna 182 variants use Continental IO-540-AB or similar engines producing 230-270 HP with 2,000-hour TBO. Engine overhauls cost approximately $18,000-$26,000. Engine reserves should be budgeted at approximately $15-$20 per flight hour.
Annual Maintenance:
Annual inspection typically costs $1,200-$1,800. Total annual maintenance including inspection, routine maintenance, and reserves averages $3,500-$4,500. The 182's proven design and systems make maintenance straightforward and relatively economical.
Why 182 Maintenance is Straightforward: Continental engines are widely supported. Cessna systems are proven and well-documented. Many bush communities have experienced 182 technicians. The 182's design simplicity aids maintainability. Parts availability is excellent.
Insurance and Pilot Requirements
Annual Insurance Costs:
Insurance for a Cessna 182 Skylane ranges $1,200-$2,500 per year for comprehensive hull and liability coverage. Insurance costs are moderate for a high-performance single and excellent relative to the aircraft's capability.
Pilot Requirements: Private pilot license required. Retractable gear endorsement (on some variants). Complex endorsement may be required by insurance. Minimum experience and currency requirements vary by insurance company.
Total Cost of Ownership: Cessna 182 Skylane
Annual Scenario: 100 Hours Flying/Year
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (13.5 GPH @ $5.40/gal) | $7,290 | $72.90 |
| Oil & Misc Variable | $300 | $3.00 |
| Engine Reserve | $1,200 | $12.00 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $800 | $8.00 |
| Annual Inspection | $1,400 | $14.00 |
| Insurance | $1,800 | $18.00 |
| Tie-Down Storage | $1,000 | $10.00 |
| Subscriptions & Misc | $500 | $5.00 |
| TOTAL | $14,290 | $142.90 |
Annual Scenario: 200 Hours Flying/Year
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (13.5 GPH @ $5.40/gal) | $14,580 | $72.90 |
| Oil & Misc Variable | $600 | $3.00 |
| Engine Reserve | $2,400 | $12.00 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $1,600 | $8.00 |
| Annual Inspection | $1,400 | $7.00 |
| Insurance | $1,800 | $9.00 |
| Tie-Down Storage | $1,000 | $5.00 |
| Subscriptions & Misc | $500 | $2.50 |
| TOTAL | $23,880 | $119.40 |
At 200 annual hours, total ownership costs run approximately $23,880 per year, with per-hour costs dropping to $119.40. This is exceptional value for a high-performance single-engine aircraft with backcountry capability.
Why Own a Cessna 182 Skylane?
- Backcountry Capability: Excellent short-field and rough-field operation
- High Performance: Strong climb and cruise performance for a single
- Useful Load: 1,500-1,700 lbs for practical flying
- Fuel Economy: Outstanding efficiency at 12-15 GPH
- Versatility: Suitable for personal, backcountry, and bush operations
- Reliability: Proven Continental engines with excellent track record
- Value: Exceptional cost-to-capability ratio for personal flying
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a used Cessna 182 Skylane cost?
Used Cessna 182 Skylane aircraft range from $50,000 (high-time early 1960s-1970s models) to $350,000 (well-maintained 2002-2011 models with low hours). Typical good-condition Cessna 182 examples from the 1980s-1990s average $100,000-$200,000. Modern 182T turbocharged variants cost more.
How much fuel does a Cessna 182 burn?
The Cessna 182 Skylane burns approximately 12-15 gallons per hour depending on model and power settings. This is excellent for a high-performance single-engine aircraft, translating to fuel costs of roughly $65-$81 per flight hour at current Avgas prices of $5.40/gallon.
What is the Cessna 182 engine overhaul cost?
Cessna 182 engines (Continental IO-540 or IO-550 variants) have 2,000-hour TBO. Engine overhaul costs approximately $18,000-$26,000. Engine reserves should be budgeted at $15-$20 per flight hour.
What are annual insurance costs for a Cessna 182?
Annual insurance for a Cessna 182 Skylane ranges $1,200-$2,500 depending on pilot experience, hull value, and coverage. Insurance costs are moderate for a high-performance single-engine aircraft.
What is the total annual cost to own a Cessna 182?
At 100 hours of annual flying, total ownership costs average approximately $12,000-$18,000 per year, or $120-$180 per flight hour. Higher utilization reduces per-hour costs to approximately $100-$130 per hour at 200+ annual hours.
Is the Cessna 182 suitable for backcountry flying?
Yes. The Cessna 182 Skylane is excellent for backcountry operations due to its short-field capability, good climb performance, large fuel capacity, and substantial useful load. Many bush operators prefer it for rough-field operation.
What is the useful load for a Cessna 182?
The Cessna 182 has excellent useful load of approximately 1,500-1,700 pounds depending on model. This allows carrying four occupants plus baggage and full fuel for substantial range.
How does the Cessna 182 compare to other high-performance singles?
The Cessna 182 offers excellent value and versatility. It has more useful load than the Beechcraft Bonanza but less than some cargo-optimized aircraft. The 182's backcountry capability, reliability, and economical operation make it ideal for personal and bush flying.
Ready to Own a Cessna 182 Skylane?
The Cessna 182 Skylane offers versatile high-performance single-engine capability for personal flying, backcountry operations, and adventure aviation. With proven reliability and exceptional economy, the 182 delivers outstanding value.
Use our affordability calculator to evaluate Cessna 182 financing options and determine ownership feasibility for your personal aviation goals.
Sources and Citations
1. Pilot Passion - Cessna 182 Skylane Cost of Ownership (2025)
Comprehensive pricing analysis and operating cost breakdown for Skylane variants.
2. PlanePhD - Cessna 182 Specifications & Valuation Database
Detailed PAPI pricing estimates and performance data across all model variants.
3. Aircraft Cost Calculator - Cessna 182 Operating Costs
Detailed hourly and annual operating cost models with multiple utilization scenarios.
4. BWI Fly - Cessna 182 Operating Cost Analysis
Insurance and operating expense analysis for Skylane ownership.
5. Backcountry Pilot - Cessna 182 Bush Flying Perspective
Real-world owner perspectives on backcountry operation and economics.
Note on Pricing and Data: This article reflects market conditions and pricing as of October 2025. Aircraft values, fuel prices, and insurance rates fluctuate based on market conditions. All figures represent typical cases and should be verified with current quotes before making purchase decisions.