This 1974 Cessna A185F Skywagon Is an Off-Grid-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Alaskan Bushwheels and a Hartzell propeller STC make the rugged taildragger an ideal off-airport hauler.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, October 08, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1974 Cessna A185F Skywagon [Credit: Sijo Zach]

Key Takeaways:

Today's Top Pick is a 1974 Cessna A185F Skywagon, a heavy-duty taildragger renowned for its utility, payload capacity, and short-field agility, making it a standard for wilderness pilots.
This specific aircraft, with 4,503 total hours, is extensively modified for unpaved terrain, featuring Alaskan Bushwheels, heavy-duty Cleveland brakes, an STC-backed Hartzell propeller, and robust electrical wiring.
Engineered for endurance and practical cargo haulage with durable interior panels, this Manitoba-based utility aircraft is listed at $275,000, positioned as a gateway to off-airport exploration.

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

Today’s Top Pick is a 1974 Cessna A185F Skywagon.

Few airframes command as much respect in remote corners of the world as the Cessna 185 Skywagon. Built to bridge the gap between heavy utility capability and short-field agility, this heavy-duty taildragger has set the standard among wilderness pilots, lodge operators, and backcountry adventurers who demand uncompromising payload capacity for unimproved strips.

Garnering attention on any ramp or gravel bar, this airframe has logged 4,503 total hours and comes prepped for unpaved terrain. The aggressive stance is defined by an Alaskan Bushwheel and fork STC, giving it the oversized footprint needed to touch down on riverbeds and rough fields, while heavy-duty Cleveland main wheels and brakes provide reliable stopping power, and an installed tail pull handle eases tight ground maneuvering.

Swinging open the wide doors reveals a cabin engineered purely for endurance, utility, and practical cargo haulage. Outfitted with durable fiberglass interior trim panels, the cabin swaps delicate factory trim for rugged, easy-to-clean surfaces built to endure packed camping gear, hunting supplies, or heavy freight without showing wear.

Feeding muscle to the nose is a proven engine showing 1,031 hours since major overhaul. Engine output is maximized through an STC-backed Hartzell propeller, governor, and spinner combination, complemented by high-efficiency air filters and quick-drain fuel reservoir to safeguard fuel purity when operating out of remote fuel caches.

Inspecting the underlying systems highlights a host of smart maintenance upgrades aimed at long-term electrical reliability. A key modification includes STC-certified, heavy-gauge copper electrical wiring, replacing aging factory lines to ensure low electrical resistance and dependable starter performance during cold bush starts.

1974 Cessna A185F Skywagon [Credit: Sijo Zach]

Listed at $275,000, this Manitoba-based utility aircraft stands as a gateway to off-airport exploration, complete with the most desirable bush modifications already installed.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.