6-occupant single-engine piston aircraft · Single-engine piston aircraft · production 1977–1981 · See its reach on the 3D globe
A Cessna 180K Skywagon costs approximately $209k (€193k) to $249k (€231k) to buy at 1979 market values, and about $72k (€66k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $895 (€829) per flight hour all-in. It seats 6, cruises at 142 kt (163 mph) and has a published range of 1,010 nm (1,871 km), needing about 1,207 ft (368 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
The 180 is the aeroplane Jerrie Mock flew solo around the world in 1964, and the K is the last and most developed of the line. It is the classic tailwheel Cessna, equally at home on floats, gravel and skis, and scarce enough now to hold value through most of the market cycle. That scarcity is also the problem. Prices are set by backcountry and float demand, so modifications, gear legs, damage history and float time move the number far more than the model year does. Buy the individual aeroplane's record, because the model name is already in the price.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1,270 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 499 kg |
| Usable fuel | 318 L |
| Service ceiling | 17,900 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 1,090 ft/min |
| Baggage weight | 54 kg |
| Engine | Continental O-470-U piston engine, 230 hp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 6 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 664 lb (301 kg) |
| Published planning range | 1,010 nm (1,871 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 677 nm (1,254 km) |
| Cruise speed | 142 kt (163 mph) |
| Runway need | ~1,207 ft (368 m) |
| Landing gear | Fixed tailwheel (conventional) |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | $13k (€12k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $184 (€170) |
The 180K Skywagon combines 6-seat piston-aircraft utility with about 1,010 NM reported range and about 142 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Indicative cash costs at 1979 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $64k (€60k) | $1,607 (€1,488) | $548k (€508k) |
| 80 h / year | $72k (€66k) | $895 (€829) | $585k (€542k) |
| 120 h / year | $79k (€73k) | $658 (€609) | $622k (€576k) |
| 180 h / year | $90k (€83k) | $500 (€463) | $677k (€627k) |
Every figure above is built from a $13k (€12k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $184 (€170) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $34k (€31k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Cessna 180K Skywagon cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 1979 market price for a Cessna 180K Skywagon is $209k (€193k) to $249k (€231k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, a Cessna 180K Skywagon works out at roughly $72k (€66k) annually, which is about $895 (€829) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $184 (€170).
Published range is 1,010 nm (1,871 km). With 4 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 677 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Beyond a pilot certificate, a Cessna 180K Skywagon requires tailwheel endorsement. 14 CFR 61.31(i) requires an instructor endorsement covering normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings and go-around procedure, unless you logged tailwheel pilot-in-command time before 15 April 1991. Ground handling, not flying, is what the training is for, and it is where the claims are. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.
Plan on approximately 1,207 ft (368 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.