4-occupant single-engine piston aircraft · Single-engine piston aircraft · production 1981–1986 · See its reach on the 3D globe
A Cessna 182R costs approximately $182k (€168k) to $217k (€201k) to buy at 1984 market values, and about $66k (€61k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $821 (€760) per flight hour all-in. It seats 4, cruises at 142 kt (163 mph) and has a published range of 844 nm (1,563 km), needing about 1,640 ft (500 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
The 182R is the last of the pre-hiatus Skylanes, built between 1981 and 1986 before Cessna stopped making piston singles, and it is arguably the most refined of the carburetted O-470 aeroplanes. It carries four adults and fuel, flies stable IFR, and every shop in the world knows it. Two things need checking on any example. The carburetted engine is genuinely susceptible to induction icing in a way the later injected 182s are not, and the nose-heavy trim rewards speed control on landing because arriving fast will wheelbarrow it. Buy it as the value point of the Skylane line, with carburettor heat discipline as part of the deal.
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 | 1,406 kg |
|---|---|
| Useful load | 600 kg |
| Usable fuel | 318 L |
| Service ceiling | 18,100 ft |
| Maximum climb rate | 865 ft/min |
| Baggage weight | 91 kg |
| Engine | Continental O-470-U piston engine, 230 hp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 4 |
| Reported payload proxy | 595 lb (270 kg) |
| Reported range | 844 nm (1,563 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | Not used for mission ranking |
| Cruise speed | 142 kt (163 mph) |
| Runway need | ~1,640 ft (500 m) |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | $13k (€12k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $184 (€170) |
The 182R combines 4-seat piston-aircraft utility with about 844 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 1984 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 | $58k (€54k) | $1,458 (€1,350) | $489k (€453k) |
| 80 h / year | $66k (€61k) | $821 (€760) | $526k (€487k) |
| 120 h / year | $73k (€68k) | $608 (€563) | $563k (€521k) |
| 180 h / year | $84k (€78k) | $467 (€432) | $618k (€572k) |
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 182R 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 1984 market price for a Cessna 182R is $182k (€168k) to $217k (€201k). 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 182R works out at roughly $66k (€61k) annually, which is about $821 (€760) 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).
Reported range is 844 nm (1,563 km). PlaneFit does not yet use this figure for mission ranking on this model.
Plan on approximately 1,640 ft (500 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.
