About the CESSNA 182T
The Textron Aviation Inc. 182T, more commonly known as the Cessna 182 Skylane, is a prominent figure in the world of general aviation. Introduced in the early 1950s by Cessna Aircraft Company, the Skylane quickly garnered attention for its superior performance, reliability, and versatility. The 182T model specifically represents an evolution of the original design, with modern enhancements and improvements catering to both private and commercial pilots.
Cessna initiated production of the Skylane to offer a more powerful and capable alternative to their highly popular Cessna 172 Skyhawk. While the Skyhawk dominated the training and entry-level general aviation markets, Cessna aimed to capture pilots who required additional power, payload, and range without stepping up to a significantly more complex aircraft. With its robust 230-horsepower engine, the 182T model exemplifies this ambition by providing a balance between performance and operability.
Key Features and Capabilities
The 182T serves a diverse array of aviation needs, from personal travel and air taxi services to flight training and light cargo transport. Its utility is further enhanced by its impressive range of over 1,000 miles, a useful load of more than 1,000 pounds, and the ability to handle short and unimproved airstrips. Moreover, the high-wing design provides excellent visibility and contributes to safer flight characteristics in various operational environments.
One of the most notable benefits of the Cessna 182T is its blend of advanced avionics and traditional handling qualities. The integration of the Garmin G1000 avionics suite, for example, offers pilots enhanced situational awareness, safety features, and ease of use while maintaining the reliability and straightforward flying experience characteristic of Cessna aircraft.
Market Position and Use Cases
Throughout its production life, the 182T has become a fixture in general aviation for its adaptability, solid performance, and continuous innovation. Textron Aviation, now owning the Cessna brand, continues to uphold the legacy of the Skylane, ensuring it remains a top choice for aviators seeking a dependable single-engine aircraft.