Cessna 180J SkywagonPhoto: Shaham Aloni · CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative variant
Indicative 1975 market price€230k€275k
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€88k
Five-year cash outlay€688k

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats6
Realistic payload with mission fuel517 kg
Advertised range780 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)523 nm
Cruise speed145 kt
Runway need~350 m
PressurisedNo
FuelAvgas 100LL
Fixed annual base€24k
Direct cost per flight hour230

The ownership trade-off

Excellent payload and backcountry capability, but tailwheel history, corrosion and float or STOL modifications dominate value.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €78k per year ( €1958 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €88k per year ( €1094 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €97k per year ( €806 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €111k per year ( €614 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €48k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.

Where it fits well

  • 145 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
  • 780 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 523 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 517 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • Excellent payload and backcountry capability, but tailwheel history, corrosion and float or STOL modifications dominate value.
  • €24k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 350 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.

Recommended missions

  • Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
  • Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
  • Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.

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