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

Timeless four-seat workhorse pairs actively flown Continental powerplant with upgraded flight deck.

FLYING Staff

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane [Credit: Seitz Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane as "Today's Top Pick" for its enduring reputation as a versatile, utility-focused single-engine piston, suitable for cross-country and short-field missions.
This specific aircraft is highlighted for its structural integrity, healthy 230 hp Continental engine with a fresh annual inspection, complete logbooks, and relatively low airframe hours for its age.
It includes significant modern upgrades, such as a Garmin GTN 750 WAAS GPS, Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B transponder, Century 300A autopilot, and Micro AeroDynamics vortex generators for enhanced low-speed control.
Priced at $144,500, the aircraft offers a compelling value, delivering advanced glass-panel capabilities and improved aerodynamics at a fraction of the cost of newer piston singles.

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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 flashy composite designs and modern retractables often dominate airport ramp gossip, the aviation community often returns to the undisputed gold standard for real-world utility—the Cessna 182 Skylane.

It has spent generations serving as the Swiss Army knife of single-engine pistons, balancing a legendary hauling footprint with incredibly forgiving flight characteristics. For pilots seeking a step-up aircraft that refuses to compromise on mission flexibility, the Skylane remains the benchmark against which all other cross-country platforms are measured.

This particular aircraft serves as a prime candidate for an owner looking for a structurally sound, highly functional cross-country machine. Kept secure in a hangar in Kent, Washington, the airframe shows 5,182 hours since rolling off the assembly line. Offering immediate peace of mind and an easy runway to ownership, it features a fresh annual inspection completed in March 2026, alongside complete, unbroken logbooks that document its history with total transparency.

Up front, the 230 hp Continental O-470-U engine tells a story of active, healthy longevity.

The engine has logged an average of 80 hours per year over the last seven years, and its March 2026 annual confirmed top-tier health, including a clean camshaft inspection noting zero abnormal wear or pitting. Further elevating its utility, the aircraft is equipped with Micro AeroDynamics vortex generators along the wings and tail surfaces, drastically sharpening low-speed roll control and making it an exceptional candidate for short-field or backcountry exploration.

1977 Cessna 182Q Skylane [Credit: Seitz Aviation]

The instrument panel has been cleanly ushered into the modern era with a comprehensive electronics upgrade.

The centerpiece of the pilot’s command station is a touchscreen Garmin GTN 750 WAAS GPS/nav/comm, offering smooth, intuitive flight planning and navigation. This is paired with a Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B transponder, which populates real-time traffic and weather directly onto the main display and integrates beautifully with a reliable Century 300A autopilot to convert long-range cross-country flights into low-workload exercises in situational awareness.

On the ramp, the aircraft’s exterior finish shows well, reflecting the protective benefits of its hangared life.

Inside, the four-place cabin remains highly functional and robust. While the interior retains an honest, classic aesthetic that shows its age gracefully, it provides the rugged, utilitarian foundation that made the Q-model famous for maximizing its massive useful load.

Listed at $144,500, this aircraft delivers a deeply capable glass-panel upgrade, enhanced short-field aerodynamics, and timeless high-wing stability for a fraction of the cost of a modern piston single.

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.