Cessna 185F SkywagonPhoto: Shaham Aloni · CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative variant
Indicative 1980 market price€322k€385k
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€87k
Five-year cash outlay€787k

Key figures

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

Seats6
Realistic payload with mission fuel557 kg
Advertised range720 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)482 nm
Cruise speed145 kt
Runway need~350 m
PressurisedNo
FuelAvgas 100LL
Fixed annual base€27k
Direct cost per flight hour260

The ownership trade-off

Superb payload and backcountry capability, but tailwheel history, corrosion and float or STOL modifications drive value.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €77k per year ( €1925 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €87k per year ( €1093 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €98k per year ( €815 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €113k per year ( €630 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €53k 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.
  • 720 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 482 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 557 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • Superb payload and backcountry capability, but tailwheel history, corrosion and float or STOL modifications drive value.
  • €27k 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.

Similar aircraft to consider