This 1963 Cessna 182F Skylane Is an Engined-Swapped ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

A bigger powerplant makes the Skylane a stronger workhorse.

FLYING Staff

Monday, March 03, 2025 at 11:01 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

1963 Cessna 182F Skylane [Angel Avila]

Key Takeaways:

The article highlights a 1963 Cessna 182F Skylane as "Today's Top Pick" from Aircraft For Sale, praising the model as a popular, versatile "long-term partner" aircraft.
The Cessna 182 Skylane is noted for its all-round performance, ability to carry big loads, operate from short fields, and serve as an ideal transporter for a family of four.
A key feature of this specific aircraft is its Texas Skyways engine conversion, which upgraded the original 230 hp Continental O-470 to a more powerful 280 hp IO-520, significantly enhancing its performance.
Equipped with a comprehensive IFR panel including a Garmin audio panel, Apollo GPS, and S-TEC 30 autopilot, this enhanced 1963 Cessna 182F Skylane is available for $160,000.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1963 Cessna 182F Skylane.

Much like its smaller relative, the 172 Skyhawk, Cessna’s 182 Skylane has been popular since its mid-1950s introduction.

Unlike the 172, which many consider a trainer or a starter airplane for new owners, the 182 is more of a long-term partner. The model has a reputation as an all-round performer that does most things well. It carries big loads, operates from short fields, and moves along at a decent pace. Pilots looking for an ideal transporter for a family of four often wind up buying Skylanes.

Now, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little more power—as in 50 hp or so—so the Skylane could bring mode verve to its everyday missions? That is where the renowned Texas Skyways conversion comes in. As with the aircraft for sale today, the specialty engine shop swaps the 182’s original 230 hp Continental O-470 for an IO-520 rated at 280 hp.

The change in the 182’s performance is a lot like that of a 172 with the popular 180 hp upgrade. In each case, the larger engine turns an airplane that is quite good into one that seems just right.

This 1963 Cessna 182F has 4,459 hours on the airframe, 1,362 hours on its IO-520 since receiving the larger engine from Texas Skyways, and 454 hours since it received a top overhaul. Its Hartzell three-blade propeller has logged 454 hours.

The IFR panel includes a Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, marco MK-12D nav/com with glideslope, Narco AT 165-R TSO transponder, uAvionix tailBeacon, Apollo GX55 GPS, Horizon P-1000 digital tachometer, Insight engine monitor, and S-TEC 30 autopilot.

Pilots who appreciate the Skylane’s all-round performance and reliability but have wondered what it could accomplish with more power should consider this 1963 182F, which is available for $160,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.