Cessna 180 Skywagon

Piston • single engine • High Wing • Fixed gear

Range Visualization

Origin: · click map to move · nm at current load

Payload vs. Range

Customize assumptions

Avg. pax weight (lbs)

Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)

Luggage per pax (lbs)

Default: 30 lbs

Passengers

lbs @ lbs / pax

Select payload

0 lbs

Fuel on board

gal

+ Weight

Range

Available Range / nm

Mission capable — Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.

Fuel tradeoff required — You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).

Over max gross weight — Reduce payload by lbs to safely operate this aircraft.

Mission Profile

140

KTAS

Cruise Speed

Occupants

695

Max Range

740

lbs

Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Cessna 180 Skywagon

The Cessna 180 Skywagon is a foundational bush plane, bridging the gap between small STOL aircraft like the Super Cub and the massive Cessna 185. It is prized for its versatility—equally at home on a 5,000-ft paved runway or a 600-ft gravel bar.

Key Features for GA Buyers

The ‘Do-It-All’ Airplane: It can carry four adults, full fuel, and baggage (depending on the year/model gross weight), making it a true utility machine.
Rugged Landing Gear: The spring-steel landing gear is incredibly tough and handles off-airport abuse far better than the oleo-struts found on other bush planes.
Engine Reliability: Usually powered by the Continental O-470, a ‘bulletproof’ engine known for reaching TBO even in harsh environments.
Excellent Visibility: Being a high-wing aircraft, it offers superior ground visibility for spotting landing strips or wildlife.

Trade-offs

Insurance & Training: As a high-performance taildragger, insurance companies typically require significant tailwheel time and a checkout by a qualified CFI.
Heavy Controls: Compared to a modern Skyhawk, the 180’s controls are heavier and require more physical effort, especially when loaded at aft-CG.