Cessna 180 Skywagon

1 × Piston Unpressurized High Wing • Conventional

Range Map

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+ cargo

Payload vs. Range

Occupants:

Fuel on board

Cargo

Range

Cargo is additional payload after occupants and baggage.

Adjust payload

full tanks

Available Range / nm

Mission capable. This load flies with full fuel.

Fuel reduced by . left aboard for nm range.

Over max payload by . At this load it cannot lift a single occupant.

Trip Preview

Mission Profile

MOSAIC Eligible

Used market

140

KTAS

Cruise Speed

695

Max Range

19,600

Service Ceiling

Occupants

596

lbs

Wet Payload

Endorsements & ratings:

High-Performance
Tailwheel

Cessna 180 Skywagon (N180SM) at Sun 'n Fun, Lakeland Linder International Airport, April 2024. Photo: ZLEA, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Cessna 180 Skywagon

Type certificated 1952

Overview

The Cessna 180 Skywagon is a high-wing, conventional-gear utility single built from 1953 to 1981, and the airplane that established the Cessna backcountry line. It pairs a 230 hp Continental O-470 with rugged flat-spring landing gear and a roomy high-wing cabin, cruising around 140 knots and reaching roughly 695 NM on its 84-gallon usable tanks. Late 180J and 180K airframes were certified for up to six seats, though a useful load near 1,100 lb usually makes it a four-adults-plus-fuel airplane in practice. It sits between light STOL taildraggers and the heavier 300 hp Cessna 185 Skywagon that grew from it.

Choose a 180 when you want a do-it-all taildragger that is as comfortable on a paved runway as on a gravel bar, and you can support a high-performance conventional-gear airplane. It asks for a tailwheel endorsement, a high-performance endorsement, meaningful tailwheel time, and the insurance that class carries, and filling all six seats means trading fuel or baggage against payload. For a buyer who wants genuine backcountry capability backed by the parts and overhaul support of a long-production Cessna, the 180 is a proven and versatile choice.

Key Features for GA Buyers

A True Do-It-All Utility Airplane. With the long-range 84-gallon tanks the 180 reaches roughly 695 NM, and the cabin will take four adults and real baggage. The late 180J and 180K were certified for up to six seats, though weight-and-balance usually limits you to four full-size occupants plus fuel.
Rugged Spring-Steel Gear. The 180’s flat-spring main gear handles rough-field operation well and is mechanically simpler than the oleo struts used on some competing bush planes, which is part of why so many survive decades of hard use.
The Proven Continental O-470. The 230 hp O-470 (O-470-U on the 180K) has a strong reputation for reaching TBO in demanding service, and parts and overhaul support remain excellent.
High-Wing Visibility. Sitting under the wing gives a clear view of a gravel bar or a herd of caribou on short final.

Trade-offs

Insurance and a Tailwheel Checkout. As a high-performance taildragger, the 180 commands meaningful tailwheel time and a CFI checkout before most insurers will write a policy; budget for both.
Six Seats on Paper, Four in Practice. Although certified for up to six occupants, the 180’s useful load means you are usually choosing between people, fuel, and baggage rather than filling every seat.
Firm Control Feel. The 180’s controls take meaningful physical effort, especially loaded at aft CG.
Corrosion and Gear-Box Inspections. Float- and bush-operated airframes warrant a careful look at the lower firewall, gear-box bulkhead, and seat rails (subject to a recurring AD); a thorough prebuy is essential.

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Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Weights

Height: 8 ft
Length: 26 ft
Parking area (ft²²): 1,403 ft²

Max Takeoff Weight: 2,800 lbs
Max Landing Weight: 2,800 lbs
Useful Load: 1,100 lbs
Fuel Capacity: Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 84 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed: 140 KTAS
Never-Exceed (V_NE): Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 169 KIAS
Max Structural Cruise (V_NO): Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 139 KIAS
Approach Speed: 61 KIAS
Stall, Clean (V_S₁): 48 KIAS
Range: 695 NM
Service Ceiling: 19,600 ft
Rate of Climb: 1100 fpm
Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle: 1,205 ft
Landing over 50 ft obstacle: 1,365 ft

Engine

Sources

Where the figures on this page come from. Cessna 180 Skywagon specifications are traced to published references; estimated values are flagged inline next to the figure.

1 × Piston High Wing Used market

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