The Cessna 182T Skylane is one of general aviation’s most respected high-wing aircraft — a four-seat, single-engine piston airplane known for its reliable performance, strong useful load, forgiving handling, and real-world mission flexibility.

For pilots and aviation buyers, the Cessna 182T Skylane sits in a highly desirable category: more capable than many entry-level trainers, yet still familiar, practical, and manageable for private ownership. It is the kind of aircraft that feels equally comfortable on a weekend family trip, a serious cross-country mission, or a short-field arrival at a smaller regional airport.

The Cessna 182T Skylane is especially relevant for buyers searching for a four-seat general aviation aircraft, high-wing piston aircraft, IFR-capable touring aircraft, fixed-gear utility airplane, or modern private aircraft for sale.

Key Takeaway: The Cessna 182T Skylane is not about exotic drama — it is about dependable capability, confident ownership, and the freedom to go places. For many private pilots, it represents one of the most balanced aircraft in modern piston general aviation.

Powerplant, Systems & Technical Highlights

The Cessna 182T Skylane is powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 engine producing 230 hp. This fuel-injected piston powerplant gives the aircraft the strength and confidence that pilots expect from the 182T category: solid climb performance, practical cruise speed, and enough useful load to make real missions possible.

The Cessna 182T Skylane also benefits from a modern avionics environment. With the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck, the aircraft offers glass-cockpit situational awareness, advanced navigation capability, and pilot-focused systems integration while still preserving the straightforward personality of a fixed-gear piston aircraft.

Technical highlights include:

• Powerplant: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5

• Power output: 230 hp

• Propeller: McCauley 3-blade metal constant-speed propeller

• Maximum cruise speed: 145 KTAS

• Maximum range: 915 nm

• Useful load: 1,110 lb / 503 kg

What makes the Cessna 182T Skylane technically attractive? It combines fixed-gear simplicity, high-wing stability, strong payload capability, and a modern glass cockpit in one proven general aviation platform.

For pilots asking, “Is the Cessna 182T Skylane a good cross-country aircraft?” the answer is yes. It is widely appreciated because it offers real travel capability without unnecessary complexity, making it one of the most versatile piston singles in its class.

Exterior & Cockpit

The Cessna 182T Skylane has the classic high-wing Cessna profile, but in a more capable and substantial form than many entry-level light aircraft. Its clean lines, sturdy stance, and practical cabin access communicate exactly what the aircraft is built for: useful flying, honest performance, and everyday confidence.

The high-wing layout is one of the Cessna 182T Skylane’s most important ownership advantages. It provides excellent downward visibility, easier cabin entry, better sun protection in warm climates, and a stable feel that many pilots and passengers appreciate.

Exterior highlights include:

• High-wing configuration for visibility and stability

• Fixed tricycle landing gear for straightforward ground handling

• Wide cabin doors for easier pilot and passenger access

• 36 ft wingspan with a proven Cessna aerodynamic layout

• Durable airframe design suited to regular private and business use

• Practical baggage capacity of up to 200 lb / 91 kg

• Strong ramp presence without feeling oversized or intimidating

Inside, the Cessna 182T Skylane is designed around utility and comfort. The cabin offers seating for up to four occupants, a practical baggage area, and the kind of visibility that makes both pilots and passengers feel connected to the flight.

Cockpit and cabin highlights include:

• Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck

• Garmin GFC 700 autopilot

• ADS-B In and Out

• Electronic Stability and Protection

• Selectable visual approaches

• Integrated VFR sectional charts

• IFR high and low charts

• Cabin width: 42 in / 1.07 m

• Cabin height: 49 in / 1.2 m

• Cabin length: 11 ft 2 in / 3.4 m

• Maximum occupants: 4

The cockpit of the Cessna 182T Skylane gives pilots a modern command center without removing the approachable nature of the aircraft. It feels professional, capable, and reassuringly familiar — exactly the kind of environment that supports confident ownership.

The Perfect Airplane For

The Cessna 182T Skylane is perfect for buyers who want a practical, capable, and trusted general aviation aircraft rather than a niche collectible or highly specialized machine. It is especially attractive to private pilots, aircraft owners upgrading from a trainer, flying clubs, small business users, and buyers who want a dependable piston single for real-world travel.

Who is the Cessna 182T Skylane best suited for? It is best suited for someone who wants four seats, modern avionics, good range, strong useful load, and simple fixed-gear ownership in one proven aircraft.

The Cessna 182T Skylane is ideal for:

• Private pilots seeking a capable family and travel aircraft

• Aircraft owners upgrading from smaller training aircraft

• Flying clubs looking for a practical high-performance piston single

• Business users needing reliable regional transportation

• IFR pilots who value glass-cockpit situational awareness

• Aviation buyers who want a strong balance of comfort, utility, and operating simplicity

• Collectors of modern general aviation aircraft who appreciate proven, in-production designs

The Cessna 182T Skylane is not the fastest piston single on the market, and that honesty is part of its appeal. It wins by being useful, trusted, stable, and deeply practical — qualities that matter every time an aircraft leaves the hangar.

Potential buyer profile:

• You want a four-seat piston aircraft with real travel capability

• You value fixed-gear simplicity over retractable-gear speed

• You prefer a high-wing aircraft for visibility and easy access

• You want modern Garmin glass avionics

• You need useful load for passengers, baggage, and flexible missions

• You care about maintenance records, engine history, avionics status, and airframe condition

• You want an aircraft that can serve both personal and business flying needs

In short, the Cessna 182T Skylane is the perfect airplane for a buyer who wants confidence more than complexity. It is a trusted modern general aviation workhorse — capable enough for serious flying, familiar enough to inspire confidence, and practical enough to use often.