This 1977 Cessna 182Q Is a Mission-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Robust engine conversion and full Garmin glass panel make heavy hauler the ultimate cross-country machine.

FLYING Staff

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Today's Top Pick is a 1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane, transformed into a "mountain-taming beast" with significant performance upgrades for high-density altitude operations.
It features a major powerplant upgrade to a Texas Skyways Continental O-520 delivering 285 hp, paired with a Hartzell three-blade propeller for enhanced climb and short-field performance.
The aircraft boasts a completely reimagined cockpit with a top-tier Garmin glass suite, including a GTN 750, dual G5s, a GFC-500 digital autopilot, and ADS-B compliance.
Listed at $295,000, this meticulously outfitted Skylane offers a turnkey opportunity for pilots seeking a modern, high-performance aircraft with complete logs.

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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 1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane.

While the Cessna 182 is already legendary as the “SUV of the skies,” this specific Q-model has been transformed into a mountain-taming beast. Ideally equipped for high-density altitude operations, it offers a significant performance edge over a factory-standard Skylane. It represents a perfect balance of a proven, rugged airframe and the high-performance utility required for serious 21st-century travel.

The aircraft’s capability is centered around a major powerplant upgrade—a Texas Skyways Continental O-520 conversion. It delivers 285 hp—a substantial boost over the original horsepower—and features ported and polished cylinders. With only 670 hours since a major overhaul and just 50 hours since a recent IRAN (Inspect and Repair As Necessary), the engine is primed for its 2,000-hour TBO. This muscle is paired with a Hartzell three-blade propeller, providing the thrust needed for short-field departures and impressive climb rates.

The airframe, with 3,150 total hours, has been meticulously outfitted with utility and efficiency in mind. It features vortex generators to enhance low-speed handling and stability, along with wheel pants that improve cruise speed while providing a more streamlined aesthetic. Operational convenience is further bolstered by the addition of Monarch fuel caps and Door Stewards, while the cockpit environment is enhanced by Rosen sun visors and an interior rated at an impressive 8/10.

1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Inside the cockpit, the panel has been completely reimagined with a top-tier Garmin glass suite. Navigation and communication are handled by a Garmin GTN 750 touchscreen and a GNS 430 backup, while dual Garmin G5 electronic flight instruments provide precise digital data. Perhaps the most significant addition for the cross-country pilot is the Garmin GFC-500 digital autopilot, which integrates seamlessly for coupled approaches and reduced pilot workload. The aircraft is fully IFR current and features a Garmin GTX 345 transponder for comprehensive ADS-B In and Out compliance.

Listed at $295,000, this 1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane is a turnkey opportunity for a pilot who needs more than just a standard four-seater. It offers the peace of mind of complete and consecutive logs alongside a modern avionics stack that rivals new production aircraft.

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.