Four-seat high-performance touring and utility aircraft · Single-engine piston aircraft · production 1977–1980 · See its reach on the 3D globe
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A Cessna 182Q Skylane costs approximately $183k (€169k) to $219k (€202k) to buy at 1979 market values, and about $91k (€84k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $1,135 (€1,051) per flight hour all-in. It seats 4, cruises at 145 kt (167 mph) and has a published range of 830 nm (1,537 km), needing about 1,608 ft (490 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
The 182Q is a classic-era Skylane, the same load-hauling, four-adults-and-fuel formula that makes the 182 a perennial family favourite, in an airframe now defined by how it has been kept and modified. It is a genuinely capable real-world traveller. The used-market twist is modifications, because STOL kits, engine conversions and avionics upgrades can make two identical model years incomparable in both capability and price. A well-sorted Q with a strong engine is a lot of practical aeroplane for the money; price the mods and the overhaul honestly.
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 | 1,338 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 559 kg |
| Usable fuel | 212 L |
| Landing ground roll | 180 m |
| Service ceiling | 16,500 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 1,010 ft/min |
| Stall speed | 50 KCAS |
| Baggage weight | 91 kg |
| Engine | Teledyne Continental O-470-U, 230 hp at 2,400 rpm |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 4 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 908 lb (412 kg) |
| Published planning range | 830 nm (1,537 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 556 nm (1,030 km) |
| Cruise speed | 145 kt (167 mph) |
| Runway need | ~1,608 ft (490 m) |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | $27k (€25k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $248 (€230) |
A strong real-world family tourer, but modifications and overhaul status can make identical years incomparable.
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 | $81k (€75k) | $2,022 (€1,873) | $603k (€559k) |
| 80 h / year | $91k (€84k) | $1,135 (€1,051) | $653k (€605k) |
| 120 h / year | $101k (€93k) | $840 (€778) | $703k (€651k) |
| 180 h / year | $116k (€107k) | $643 (€595) | $777k (€720k) |
Every figure above is built from a $27k (€25k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $248 (€230) 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 $53k (€49k) 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 182Q Skylane 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.
Nothing beyond a pilot certificate for the category and class. With fixed tricycle gear and no endorsement requirement of its own, this is among the simplest certified aircraft to qualify in, which is a real part of why it is cheap to insure and easy to check out in.
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 182Q Skylane is $183k (€169k) to $219k (€202k). 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 182Q Skylane works out at roughly $91k (€84k) annually, which is about $1,135 (€1,051) 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 $248 (€230).
Published range is 830 nm (1,537 km). With 4 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 556 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Plan on approximately 1,608 ft (490 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.