This 1975 Cessna 185F Skywagon Is a Heavy-Hauling ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Taildragger built for long-range backcountry operations with a Continental IO-550 engine and Aeroflint tip tanks.

FLYING Staff

Monday, January 05, 2026 at 09:58 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1975 Cessna 185F Skywagon [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Today's Top Pick from Aircraft For Sale is a 1975 Cessna 185F Skywagon, highlighted as a powerful and versatile machine ideal for rugged bush flying.
It features a 300 hp Continental IO-550 engine with 415 hours since overhaul, a McCauley three-blade propeller, and a robust useful load of 1,451 pounds.
The airframe is equipped with extensive backcountry modifications, including Flint Aero tip tanks for extended range, bubble windows, and a VFR-ready Garmin GNS 430 avionics suite with ADS-B Out.
Listed at $239,000, this highly sought-after utility aircraft is presented as a premium opportunity for pilots seeking a capable backcountry adventure plane.

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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 1975 Cessna 185F Skywagon.

For pilots who demand a true go-anywhere machine, this 1975 Cessna 185F Skywagon offers a potent combination of power and range. With a robust useful load of 1,451 pounds, the aircraft is purpose-built for the rugged demands of bush flying, whether hauling gear into the high desert or navigating the short, unimproved strips of the Pacific Northwest.

This particular Skywagon has been significantly enhanced with a Continental IO-550 engine, delivering 300 hp of climbing and cruising authority. The engine has only 415 hours since a major overhaul, paired with a McCauley three-blade propeller with equal time since new. The powerplant upgrade transforms the 185 into an even more capable short-field performer than its original factory configuration.

The airframe, which has a total time of 3,490 hours, is well equipped for the elements. It features zinc chromate treatment for corrosion resistance and several backcountry-specific upgrades, including Flint Aero tip tanks for extended range, bubble windows for superior visibility, and a V-brace for added structural rigidity. Convenience features like “door stewards” and a BAS tail pull handle make ground handling and cabin access easier in the field.

1975 Cessna 185F Skywagon [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

In the cockpit, the panel is set up for reliable VFR navigation and precise engine management. The avionics suite features a Garmin GNS 430 for GPS, nav, and com capabilities, supported by a Bendix/King KX-155 as a secondary nav/com. Modern airspace compliance is handled by a SkyBeacon ADS-B Out system, while pilot awareness of the IO-550’s performance is maintained through a JPI EDM-700 engine monitor and a Shadin fuel flow indicator.

With its enduring reputation, this 185F is a highly sought-after utility aircraft. Its combination of 300 hp, long-range fuel capacity, and specialized bush mods makes it an ideal candidate for any pilot looking to write their next adventure in the backcountry.

Listed at $239,000, this 1975 Cessna 185F Skywagon represents a premium opportunity to own a legendary workhorse that is already dialed in for heavy-duty service

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.