Cessna 182 Skylane

The Cessna 182 Skylane is an American four-seat, single-engined light airplane built by Cessna of Wichita, Kansas. It has the option of adding two child seats in the baggage area.

Introduced in 1956, the 182 has been produced in several variants, including a version with retractable landing gear, and is the second-most popular Cessna model still in production after the 172.

Development

The Cessna 182 was introduced in 1956 as a tricycle gear variant of the 180. In 1957, the 182A variant was introduced, followed by a deluxe version the following year known as the Skylane.<ref name="Phillips" /> As production continued, later models were improved regularly with features such as a wider fuselage, swept tailfin with rear "omni-vision" window, enlarged baggage compartment, higher gross weights, landing gear changes, etc. The "restart" aircraft built after 1996 were different in many other details, including a different engine, new seating design, etc. Template:Citation needed

By mid-2013, Cessna planned to introduce the next model of the 182T, designated the JT-A, using the Template:Cvt SMA SR305-230 diesel engine running on Jet-A with a burn rate of Template:Convert per hour at cruise speed of Template:Cvt.<ref name=aopa2012>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Grady22Jul12">Template:Cite news</ref> Cessna has no timeline for the JT-A.<ref name=avw2015-05>Template:Cite web</ref> The normally aspirated, avgas-fueled 182 went out of production in 2012, but came back in 2015.<ref name=fly2015-05-14>Template:Cite news</ref>

Cessna 182s were also built in Argentina by DINFIA, as the A182, and in France by Reims Aviation, as the F182.

Design

The Cessna 182 is an all-metal (mostly aluminum alloy) aircraft, although some parts – such as engine cowling nosebowl and wingtips – are made of fiberglass or thermoplastic material. Its wing has the same planform as the smaller Cessna 172 and the larger 205/206 series; however, some wing details, such as flap and aileron design, are the same as the 172 and are not like the 205/206 components.

Retractable gear

The retractable gear R182 and TR182 were offered from 1978 to 1986, without and with engine turbocharging, respectively. The model designation nomenclature differs from some other Cessna models with optional retractable gear. For instance, the retractable version of the Cessna 172 was designated as the 172RG and the 177RG, whereas the retractable gear version of the Cessna 182 is the R182. Cessna gave the R182 the marketing name of "Skylane RG".<ref name="3A13">Template:Cite web</ref>

The R182 and TR182 offer 10-15% improvement in climb and cruise speeds over their fixed-gear counterparts, and similarly, 10-15% better fuel economy at the same speeds at the expense of increased maintenance costs and decreased gear robustness. The 1978 R182 has a sea-level climb rate of Template:Cvt and a cruising speed (75% BHP) at Template:Convert of Template:Cvt TAS at standard temperature.<ref name="1978 R182 POH">Template:Cite book</ref>

The landing-gear retraction system in the Skylane RG uses hydraulic actuators powered by an electrically driven pump. The system includes a gear position warning that emits an intermittent tone through the cabin speaker when the gear is in the retracted position and either the throttle is reduced below about Template:Cvt manifold pressure or the flaps are extended beyond 20°. In the event of a hydraulic pump failure, the landing gear may be lowered using a hand pump to pressurize the hydraulic system. The system does not, however, allow the landing gear to be manually retracted.<ref name="1978 R182 POH" />

Variants

Cessna has historically used model years similar to U.S. auto manufacturers, with sales of new models typically starting a few months prior to the actual calendar year.

182: Initial production version built only for the 1956 model year. Powered by a carbureted Template:Convert Continental O-470-L piston engine, gross weight Template:Convert. Certified on 2 March 1956. 844 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>
182A: Introduced for the 1957 model year with manual flaps, redesigned landing gear for improved ground handling, and an increased gross weight of Template:Convert. A deluxe version was introduced for the 1958 model year as the Skylane with full exterior paint, wheel fairings, and an improved engine cowling with the exhaust stack moved to the right to improve engine cooling. Certified on 7 December 1956. 1713 total built; 911 (1957) and 802 (1958).<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182B: 1959 model year with a more streamlined cowling with cowl flaps, a new instrument panel cover, and improved ventilation. Certified on 22 August 1958. 802 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182C: 1960 model year with a redesigned swept vertical tail and smaller wing root fillets. The cabin was also redesigned with more headroom, molded plastic control wheels, and a third cabin window. Certified on 8 July 1959. 650 built, plus four largely identical L-19L models for the Canadian Army.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182D: 1961 model year with a key start switch, cam-lock cowling fasteners, and decreased landing gear height. Certified on 14 June 1960. 591 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182E: 1962 model year with a cut-down rear fuselage with "Omni-Vision" rear windows, electric "Para-Lift" flaps, a redesigned horizontal stabilizer, elevator and rudder trim tabs, a new tailcone and wingtips, and Template:Convert neoprene fuel bladders. Wheel fairings, which were previously exclusive to the deluxe Skylane model, were made standard on the 182E. Power was provided by a Template:Convert Continental O-470-R piston engine and gross weight was increased to Template:Convert. Certified on 27 June 1961. 826 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182F: 1963 model year with minor refinements, including magnesium rudder pedals. Certified on 1 August 1962. 635 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182G: 1964 model year with redesigned rear and aft cabin windows for improved visibility. Certified on 19 July 1963. 786 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182H: 1965 model year with new propeller spinner, increased horizontal stabilizer span, and one-piece windshield. Certified on 17 September 1964. 840 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182J: 1966 model year with magnesium control wheels and new door latches. Certified on 20 October 1965. 941 built, plus 56 shipped to Argentina as the A182J.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182K: 1967 model year with short-stroke oleo strut nose gear, increased vertical stabilizer tip length, and "Omni-Flash" rotating beacon. Certified on 3 August 1966. 880 built, plus 40 shipped to Argentina as the A182K.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182L: 1968 model year with new boom microphone, pre-select flap controls, and relocated flight instruments. Certified on 28 July 1967. 820 built, plus 20 shipped to Argentina as the A182L.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182M: 1969 model year with optional electroluminescent instrument panel lighting. A turn coordinator was added as standard equipment for the deluxe Skylane model. Certified on 19 September 1968. 750 built.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" /> An experimental version of this model was used to test a full cantilever wing originally intended for the Cessna 343 (later 187).<ref name="Phillips">Phillips, Edward H: Wings of Cessna, Model 120 to the Citation III, Flying Books, 1986. Template:ISBN</ref>
182N: Introduced for the 1970 model year with a more streamlined cowling, conical camber wingtips, a revised instrument panel, and gross weight increased to Template:Convert. The 1971 model year introduced shoulder harnesses for the front seats and improved cabin soundproofing. Certified on 17 September 1969. 770 total built; 390 (1970) and 380 (1971), plus 20 built by Argentina in 1972 as the A182N with the improvements of that year's 182P.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
Template:Visible anchor: Introduced for the 1972 model year with cowling-mounted landing/taxi lights, tubular steel main landing gear with increased track width, "Camber-Lift" wings with a new leading edge, a push-button annunciator panel, and redesigned control wheels. The 1973 model year introduced bonded cowl and cabin doors, a shock-mounted cowling, and an extended dorsal fairing. 1974 introduced tighter door/window seals, new engine cooling baffle seals, a constant-speed propeller, and optional Template:Cvt fuel tanks and oxygen system. 1975 introduced new wheel/brake fairings and the Skylane II with improved avionics. 1976 introduced a new Template:Cvt Continental O-470-S engine, as well as improved wing root fairings. Certified on 8 October 1971. 4,371 total built; 621 (1972), 1,040 (1973), 1,010 (1974), 820 (1975), and 880 (1976), plus 25 built in France by Reims Aviation in 1976 as the F182P.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" /> In 1976, Cessna stopped offering the baseline 182, and all subsequent models carried the "Skylane" name.<ref name=":0" />
182Q Skylane: Introduced for the 1977 model year with a new Template:Convert Continental O-470-U engine and instrument panel fasteners, as well as minor changes to the instrument panel. The 1978 model year introduced a new 28V electrical system, molded plastic control wheels, and an avionics master switch. 1979 saw the replacement of the fuel bladders with a Template:Convert wet wing as well as the introduction of a redesigned brake master cylinder and an alternator control unit (ACU). 1980 introduced a redesigned audio panel, marker beacon, flap position control indicator, and flap system circuitry as well as an optional writing table behind the pilots' seats. Certified on 28 July 1976. 2,537 total built; 790 (1977), 624 (1978), 709 (1979), and 414 (1980), plus 39 built by Reims in 1977 as the F182Q.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182R/T182 Skylane: Introduced for the 1981 model year with an increased gross takeoff weight of Template:Convert (landing remained at Template:Convert), a new door latch system, and wing root vents. A new model, the T182 (alternatively T182R), was also introduced with a Template:Convert Lycoming O-540-L3C5D piston engine. The 1982 model year featured only minor changes. 1983 introduced an improved O-470-U, increased flap extension speed, a low vacuum warning light, an improved avionics cooling fan, improved rear seat ventilation, and an optional split-switch electric elevator trim system. Certified on 29 August 1980. 895 total built; 339 (1981), 237 (1982), 74 (1983), 65 (1984), 106 (1985), and 74 (1986) before all 182 production stopped.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182S Skylane: Skylane production resumed in 1997 with the 182S, with Cessna dropping the model year system used on previous models. The 182S was powered by a fuel-injected Template:Convert Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 and introduced multiple other improvements, such as new seats, cabin soundproofing, and corrosion proofing. Wheel fairings were no longer standard, though they were still an optional feature along with IFR GPS, and a two-axis autopilot. A "Millennium edition" was introduced in 2000 with special exterior and interior appointments. Certified on 3 October 1996. 941 built.<ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
182T/T182T Skylane: Improved 182S introduced in 2001 with a redesigned cowling and wheel fairings, 12V power port, a smaller gear strut step, and other improvements. The T182T is powered by a turbocharged and fuel-injected Template:Convert Lycoming TIO-540-AK1A piston engine, a 4-place oxygen system, and other improvements for high altitude flight. 2004 saw the introduction of the optional "Nav III" avionics package and an optional leather interior. 2005 introduced redesigned wingtips, new landing lights, and optional AmSafe inflatable restraints (which became standard in 2009). 2007 introduced the Garmin G1000 instrument system as standard, as well as multiple optional additional avionics packages. Certified on 23 February 2001.<ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" /> The 182T was the only variant in production as of July 2015.<ref name="AOPA_news">Template:Cite news</ref> The T182T was produced from 2001 to 2013, with production forecast to commence again in 2023.<ref name="O'Connor10Feb22">Template:Cite web</ref>

Special versions

Template:Visible anchor: Introduced for the 1978 model year with retractable landing gear, a Template:Convert Lycoming O-540-J3C5D piston engine and a gross weight of Template:Convert. The 1979 model year increased fuel capacity from Template:Convert to Template:Convert. Certified on 7 July 1977. The TR182 Turbo Skylane RG was powered by turbocharged Template:Convert Lycoming O-540-L3C5D and was certified on 12 September 1978. At least 2,024 total built; 583 (1978), 729 (1979), 314 (1980), 169 (1981), 129 (1982), 44 (1983), 25 (1984), and 31 (1985), with production continuing into 1986. Reims also built a total of 69; 21 (1978), 24 (1979), and 24 (1980) as the FR182 in France.<ref name="Phillips" /><ref name="3A13" /><ref name=":0" />
J182T Turbo Skylane JT-A: Powered by a Template:Convert SMA SR305-230 diesel engine. It burns Template:Convert per hour of Jet-A fuel and cruises at Template:Convert. The model was first flown in May 2013, and as of July 2015, FAA certification is on hold indefinitely.<ref name="AOPA_news" /> Originally introduced as the Turbo Skylane NXT, Cessna changed the name to avoid confusion with the Remos NXT.<ref name="Grady22Jul12" /><ref name="JTA">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Pew22May13">Template:Cite news</ref> Only 16 aircraft (one prototype and 15 production) had been built by 2014. A majority of orders for the Turbo Skylane JT-A had been canceled by 2017, and the aircraft was eventually discontinued.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref>
Robertson STOL 182: An aftermarket 182 STOL conversion certified in 1967 that changes the leading edge shape and aileron controls and lowers the stall speed below Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Operators

Civil users

The 182 is used by a multitude of civil operators, cadet organizations, and flight schools worldwide.

Government operators

Template:ARG

Argentine Federal Police - one A182L from 2001 is still in service for training as of 2020.<ref>Rivas 2020, pp. 80–81</ref>

Template:BEL

Federal Police<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:CAN

Transport Canada – one, sold in 2010<ref name="TCCAR">Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:US

Civil Air Patrol – used for inland and coastal search and rescue, homeland security support, and airborne communications repeater service<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Federal Bureau of Investigation - at least 27 used as surveillance aircraft equipped with optical, infrared and cellphone ELINT equipment<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Military operators

Template:AFG

Afghan Air Force<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:ARG

Army Aviation<ref name="TaylorM">Taylor, Michael: Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft, page 67. Bison Books, 1987. Template:ISBN</ref>

Template:AUT

Austrian Air Force - 2x Cessna 182 A/B

Template:BLZ

Belize Defence Force Air Wing<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:CAN

Canadian Army – 5 × L-182, retired 1970<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Krivinyi">Krivinyi, Nikolaus: World Military Aviation, page 148. Arco Publishing Co, 1977. Template:ISBN</ref>