This 2021 Cessna 182T Is a Go-Anywhere ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Low-time, glass-panel Skylane offers the ultimate blend of rugged utility and 21st-century safety.

FLYING Staff

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2021 Cessna 182T Skylane [Credit: Aerista]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 2021 Cessna 182T Skylane as "Today's Top Pick" for its balanced capabilities and "Goldilocks zone" appeal in general aviation.
This specific aircraft is a nearly new airframe with only 375 hours, powered by a reliable 230 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine, and boasts no damage history.
It is equipped with an advanced Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck, featuring Synthetic Vision Technology and a GFC 700 digital autopilot with Electronic Stability and Protection for enhanced safety.
Priced at $644,900, it offers a substantial 998-pound useful load, premium interior, and is presented as a turnkey solution combining reliability and modern technology.

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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 2021 Cessna 182T Skylane.

While the aviation world is often divided between specialized speedsters and nimble trainers, the Cessna 182 Skylane has spent decades occupying the Goldilocks zone of general aviation. It is an aircraft that famously refuses to compromise, offering enough muscle to haul a family, enough stability to make IFR flight feel effortless, and enough short-field grit to turn a grass strip into a weekend getaway.

This 2021 model represents the pinnacle of that evolution—a nearly new airframe that pairs a legendary legacy with the most advanced safety technology available.

For pilots who want the new plane smell without the multiyear factory waitlist, this airframe is a standout. With only 375 hours since new, the Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 engine is essentially just finishing its break-in period. Delivering a steady 230 hp, the naturally aspirated powerplant is a favorite among owners for its simplified maintenance and bulletproof reputation. Whether you’re cruising at 145 knots or navigating a high-density altitude departure, the 182T provides a predictable, heavy-iron feel that builds pilot confidence.

Inside the cockpit, the transition from legacy 182s to this modern T-model is transformative. The panel is anchored by the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck, featuring high-speed processing and crisp displays that bring Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) to life. Managing the flight is the GFC 700 digital autopilot, which includes Garmin’s Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP). This digital safety net works in the background to prevent unusual attitudes, ensuring that this high-performance single remains one of the safest platforms in the sky.

2021 Cessna 182T Skylane [Credit: Aerista]

The aesthetic of the aircraft matches its mechanical pedigree. Clad in a crisp factory paint scheme with blue accents, the aircraft has been hangared since day one and shows no damage history. The cabin features premium beige leather seating and is equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint system, providing an extra layer of security for all four occupants. With a 998-pound useful load, it remains one of the few four-seat aircraft that can actually carry four adults and a reasonable fuel load.

Listed at $644,900, this 2021 Skylane is a turnkey solution for the buyer who demands reliability and modern tech in a proven airframe.

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.