This 1974 Cessna 182P Skylane Is a Thoughtfully Refurbished ‘Aircraft ForSale’ Top Pick

Several mods enhance this Skylane’s STOL capability.

FLYING Staff

Monday, March 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM ET

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Edited By: Steve Spears

1974 Cessna 182P Skylane [Courtesy: PacTex Aviation LLC]

Key Takeaways:

Today's Top Pick is a 1974 Cessna 182P Skylane, described as a versatile utility aircraft suitable for family travel, cargo hauling, and missions akin to a large family car.
This specific Skylane features extensive modifications for backcountry and off-airport operations, including an AirGlas front fork, oversized tires, and vortex generators.
It boasts a modern IFR panel equipped with a Garmin G3x avionics suite, GTN 650xi, GFC 500 autopilot, and ADS-B In and Out capabilities.
Thoughtfully upgraded and recently refurbished, this aircraft is offered for $285,000, ideal for pilots seeking a backcountry-capable family plane.

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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 1974 Cessna 182P Skylane.

Pilots often compare their general aviation airplanes to cars and light trucks. Some heavy-duty utility airplanes are referred to as pickup trucks or large SUVs with wings while smaller, two-seat personal models often are compared with sports cars.

Cessna’s 182 Skylane falls somewhere in the middle, performing missions closer to those we associate with a large family car, including long-distance travel and cargo hauling.

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The aircraft for sale today comes with a range of upgrades that move it closer to the category of crossover-utility road vehicles that largely have displaced cars for many drivers who prefer their versatility. Several modifications combine to boost its capabilities when operating off-airport or in the backcountry.

This 1974 Skylane has 5,234 hours on the airframe, 834 hours on its Continental O-470 engine, and 698 hours on its McCauley two-blade propeller. The aircraft is equipped with an AirGlas Inc. front fork, oversize 8-by6.5 Goodyear ties, Cleveland wheels and brakes, vortex generators, newer fuel bladders, CIES fuel senders, AeroLED lighting, and Avion control yokes. The exterior was repainted in 2000 and the interior was reupholstered in 2022.

The IFR panel features Garmin G3x avionics with a 10-inch display, Garmin GTN 650xi GPS/nav/com, Garmin GNC 255 nav/com, GMA 345 audio panel, GTX 345 transponder with ADS-B In and Out, G3X 7-inch engine management display, GFC 500 autopilot, and G5 standby instrument.

Pilots looking for a thoughtfully upgraded utility aircraft that can carry a family of four with luggage and a dog confidently into backcountry strips should consider this 1974 Cessna 182P Skylane, which is available for $285,000 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.