Over the years I’ve flown around a dozen varieties of the Cessna 182, from the latest glass-panel turbo models to impeccably restored early birds, but I’d never experienced anything like this. As I advanced the single black lever in Cessna’s new 182 JT-A to roll around the corner onto 19L at Wichita’s iconic Mid-Continent Airport, I felt a smooth surge of power.
Cessna 182 JT-A
Key Takeaways:
- Cessna is introducing the 182 JT-A, a new Skylane model powered by an SMA diesel engine that burns jet-A fuel, replacing its gas piston turbocharged predecessor as a significant step for light general aviation.
- This transition is driven by the uncertain future of 100LL avgas, the global availability and cost-effectiveness of jet-A, and the superior fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced noise of modern diesel aviation engines.
- The 182 JT-A offers enhanced performance with a 20,000-foot ceiling, extended range, significantly better fuel economy (around 11 gph at cruise), higher potential payloads, and simplified single-lever engine management, providing a competitive and beneficial flight experience.
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