This 1978 Cessna R182 Skylane Is a Meticulously Kept ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Retractable landing gear provides increased speed and efficiency.

FLYING Staff

Monday, September 08, 2025 at 10:14 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1978 Cessna R182 Skylane [Courtesy: Tony Reed]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft For Sale's "Today's Top Pick" is a 1978 Cessna R182 Skylane, noted for its exceptionally low airframe and engine time for its vintage.
This aircraft features a thoroughly modernized flight deck equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin avionics, including a GTN 750Xi and G5s, making it suitable for serious IFR flying.
Despite its age, the Skylane boasts well-preserved original exterior paint and interior leather, attributed to being hangar kept.
Offered at $175,000, this low-time, retractable-gear aircraft with its significant upgrades is presented as a valuable "get-in-and-go" cross-country platform.

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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 1978 Cessna R182 Skylane

This 1978 Cessna R182 Skylane stands out as a pristine example of a classic, capable, and surprisingly modern cross-country machine. What makes this specific aircraft so compelling is its exceptionally low total time—a rare find for an airframe of this vintage, promising many years of reliable flying for its next owner.

The heart of this Skylane is its original, numbers-matching Lycoming engine, also with only 1,535 hours. This provides a clear and continuous history, a factor that discerning buyers will surely appreciate. Paired with a propeller that has accumulated less than 1,000 hours since its installation in 1983, this powertrain is ready for countless more adventures.

This Skylane boasts a thoroughly modernized flight deck, built for serious IFR flying. The panel is commanded by a state-of-the-art Garmin GTN 750Xi, complete with FlightStream 510 for seamless tablet integration. This is complemented by a Garmin 430, dual Garmin G5s for primary and backup attitude information, and a capable Garmin 500 autopilot, dramatically reducing pilot workload on long journeys. With a PMA 8000G audio panel and a JPI EDM 830 for precise engine monitoring, this cockpit rivals those found in much newer aircraft.

1978 Cessna R182 Skylane [Courtesy: Tony Reed]

Showcasing its history, the exterior wears its original 1978 RG paint scheme. The benefits of being hangar kept are evident, preserving the classic look. The interior features the original leather, which remains in impressive condition without any damage. While some plastic components show their age, the overall cabin is a comfortable and well-preserved time capsule, ready for four occupants to enjoy the view.

Offered at $175,000, this 1978 Cessna R182 Skylane RG represents a significant value. It’s a rare opportunity to acquire a legendary, low-time, retractable-gear airframe that has been thoughtfully upgraded with a top-tier avionics suite, making it a true “get-in-and-go” cross-country platform.

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.