Skylane Cessna 182 Now
If the Cessna 172 is the Toyota Corolla of the sky—reliable, easy, and economical—the is the legendary Ford F-150: brawnier, faster, more capable of hauling a heavy load, and built to handle rough conditions. From bush pilots in the Alaskan wilderness to private owners flying weekend cross-countries, the Skylane is the pilot’s choice when the Skyhawk simply isn’t enough.
| Aircraft | Pros vs. Skylane | Cons vs. Skylane | |----------|-------------------|------------------| | | Faster (180+ knots), parachute (CAPS), modern composite airframe. | Doubles the price ($700k used), higher insurance, smaller cabin, less utility. | | Diamond DA40 | Fantastic visibility, Euro styling, lower fuel burn. | Slower than Skylane, less useful load, tighter rear seats. | | Piper Cherokee 235/Dakota | Simple, stout gear, good hauler. | Out of production, less comfortable, slower cruise, smaller parts market. | | Cessna 172 Skyhawk | Cheap to buy and operate, easy to fly. | Over 30 knots slower, carries 500 lbs less, frustrating for long trips. | skylane cessna 182
For now, the standard remains the most popular used airplane on Trade-A-Plane and Controller.com. It is a safe investment. Well-maintained models appreciate slightly each year, as demand for fixed-gear haulers outpaces supply. Conclusion: The Definitive High-Performance Utility Plane The Skylane Cessna 182 is not the brightest, the fastest, or the most beautiful aircraft on the ramp. But it is, by nearly every objective measure, the most practical four-seat aircraft ever built for the private owner and the light commercial operator. If the Cessna 172 is the Toyota Corolla

