Cessna Skylane Rg

Single Piston· 719 globally registered

The Cessna 182 Skylane is one of general aviation's most successful four-seat singles, combining the forgiving handling of the smaller 172 with significantly more power and payload capability. Introduced in 1956 as a tricycle-gear evolution of the tailwheel 180, the 182 became the go-to aircraft for pilots who needed to carry four adults plus baggage into short or high-altitude strips, a mission the 172 couldn't reliably handle. The R model, produced from 1981 through 1986, represents the later years of the original production run before Cessna suspended piston-aircraft manufacturing in 1986 due to product liability concerns. Powered by a 230-horsepower Lycoming O-540 engine, the 182R cruises around 140 knots and can operate comfortably from runways under 2,000 feet, making it popular for backcountry flying, pipeline patrol, and flight training at institutions requiring more capability than a 172 offers. The Skylane's reputation for ruggedness and utility has kept hundreds in active service decades after production, often in demanding roles like bush flying in Alaska, survey work, and as primary trainers for commercial and instrument ratings. Its high-wing configuration provides excellent visibility for ground reference work, while the constant-speed propeller and retractable cowl flaps give students a step toward complex aircraft without the expense and insurance burden of retractable gear. The type's 3,110-pound maximum takeoff weight allows a useful load around 1,000 pounds in most configurations, enough for full fuel, four occupants, and light baggage, a combination few singles in its class can match. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.