Cessna’s founder Clyde V. Cessna became inspired to create aircraft while watching an airshow in 1911. With experience as a mechanic and auto salesman, Clyde built his first aircraft with a kit from Queens Airplane Company in the Bronx. Over time, Clyde became a fairly proficient pilot.
In 1916, Clyde got the opportunity to use a space for his aircraft dreams rent-free with one condition – any new aircraft he made had to have the name of a particular car model called “Jones-Six” painted on the underside of its wings.
In 1917, he built the Comet. However, World War I impacted his vision, halting sales and production altogether as most critical parts and supplies became essential for war use. After coming to terms with his failed venture, he returned to a career in farming.
Years later, in 1925, wealthy businessmen Walter Beech and Lloyd Stearman offered Cessna an opportunity to build and produce more aircraft. After teaming up, they created Travel Air Manufacturing Company with Cessna as its president. But Cessna wasn’t enjoying his role as president and missed being heavily involved with aircraft design and production. So two years later, Cessna teamed up with Victor Roos to create the Cessna-Roos Company. His partner Roos left the business shortly after for another job.
Cessna had successful sales through the business’s A and D series, but tough times were still up ahead. After private aircraft sales fell to an all-time low in 1931, Cessna closed down his company once again.
By 1933, Cessna’s nephew Dwane Wallace obtained his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Wichita University. He eventually worked for Beech Aircraft Company, where he convinced executives to allow his uncle to reopen his shop and continue making aircraft. At the time, Beech occupied a small section of Cessna’s former factory.
After Cessna’s retirement in 1936, he allowed the sale of all of his shares to his nephews, Dwane and Dwight Wallace. Under the Wallace Brothers’ leadership, Cessna designed and built its first twin-engine aircraft in 1938. Before World War II started, government demands from the U.S. and Canada poured in for aircraft to be used for military training. From there, Cessna’s business expanded quickly, embracing its newfound success.
Making History In Cessna’s Skywagon
Following World War II, Cessna’s 170 became one of the most popular aircraft on the market. When up against Beechcraft’s Bonanza, however, Cessna sought a new direction with its 180, powered by Continental’s 225-horsepower O-470-A engine. Cessna’s 180 took its first flight in May of 1952 and became known for its seaplane capabilities.
In 1964, pilot Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock, flew a 1953 Cessna 180 and became the first woman to fly solo around the world. Her trip began and ended in Columbus, Ohio, from March 19, 1964 to April 17, 1964. On May 4, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Geraldine with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Exception Service Decoration.
Country of Origin: America
- Maximum Speed: 148 kts
- Maximum Range: 690 nm
- Maximum Occupants: 4-6
- Range Of Years Manufactured: 1953-1981
- Total Aircraft Build: 6,193
- Currently In Operation: 2,785
- Useful Load: 1,160 lbs.
- Average Sale Value: $290,720
- Average Days On Market For Sale: 67
- VREF Demand Rating: Visit VREF Online
Operational Resources
Operations Manual
Maintenance Document
Local Resources
- Textron Aviation Inc. (Domestic and International Service Centers)
- Cessna Flyer Association
Manufacturer
Insurance
- Avemco
- AOPA Insurance
- BWI Aviation Insurance
- Falcon Aviation Insurance
- Travers Aviation Insurance
- USAA Aircraft Insurance For Pilots
Cessna Skywagon 180 A-K Details
The following is information about the latest Cessna Skywagon (1981) model.
Interior
The Skywagon 180 seats 4 or 6 passengers and has a panel set up for a standard T-scan. With plenty of interior space, the Skywagon also has 721 cubic feet of cargo area. Seating is flexible and allows for the removal or folding of its middle row and 6th optional seat for more room.
Exterior
The Skywagon 180 is a fixed conventional gear general aviation aircraft. Used mainly for personal and utility roles such as bush flying, this aircraft has a construction of all-metal, aluminum alloy. The fuselage is a semi-monocoque structure with exterior skin sheets riveted to formers and longerons. The strut-braced wings are made of exterior skin sheets riveted to spars and ribs. The landing gear of the 180 is conventional with main gear legs made of spring steel and a steerable tailwheel mounted on a hollow tapered steel tube.
Avionics
- KMD 150 Multifunction Display
- EDM 700 Engine Analyzer with Fuel Flow
- King KT 76A Transponder
- Sigtronics 4 Place Intercom
- KX170B Com
- King 96A Radio
Additional Equipment & Systems
- Ground Handling Bars
- Float Kit
- Gross Weight Increase Kit
- Door Steward Kit
- Folding Rear Seats
- BAS Shoulder Harnesses
- Long Range Tanks
Specifications
- Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Tail Wheel
- Take-Off Run: 625 ft.
- Landing Roll: 480 ft.
- Wing Span: 35 ft. 10 in.
- Length: 25 ft. 8 in.
- Height: 7 ft. 9 in.
- Max Seats: 6
- Max Take-Off Weight: 2,800 lbs.
- Cruise: 142 kts
- Range: 785 nm
- Take-Off Run (50 ft.): 1,205 ft.
Cessna Skywagon Models
The following are all variations of Cessna’s Skywagon 180.
Skywagon 180
First certified on December 23, 1952, this 4-seat high-wing light aircraft is powered by a 225-horsepower Continental O-470-A, O-470-J, or 230-horsepower O-470-K engine. The initial 180 is a landplane with a gross weight of 2,550 lbs.
Skywagon 180A
This 4-seat high-wing light aircraft received its certification on December 17, 1956, and is powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-K engine. It also received an increase in gross weight from 2,550 lbs. to 2,650 lbs.
Skywagon 180B
Powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-K engine, this landplane maintains a gross weight of 2,650 lbs when compared to its previous variation. This aircraft received its certification on August 22, 1958.
Skywagon 180C
The Skywagon’s C variant is a 4-seat high-wing light aircraft powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-L or O-470-R engine. Like its predecessor, it maintains a gross weight of 2,650 lbs. and was first certified on July 8, 1959.
Skywagon 180D
Powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-L or O-470-R engine, this 4-seat landplane received its certification on June 14, 1960. It has a gross weight of 2,650 lbs.
Skywagon 180E
The Skywagon’s E variant is a 4-seat high-wing light aircraft equipped with a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-L or O-470-R engine. This landplane has a gross weight of 2,650 lbs. and was first certified on September 21, 1961.
Skywagon 180F
The Skywagon F is the last variation to maintain a gross weight of 2,650 lbs. It received its certification on June 25, 1962, and is a 4-seat high-wing light aircraft. It’s equipped with a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-L or O-470-R engine.
Skywagon 180G
Boosting its passenger capacity, the Skywagon 180G is a 6-seat high-wing light aircraft powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-L or O-470-R engine. Additionally, Cessna increased this landplane’s gross weight to 2,800 lbs. from 2,650 lbs. The 180G received its certification on July 19, 1963.
Skywagon 180H
This 6-seat high-wing light aircraft is equipped with a 230 horsepower Continental O-470-L or O-470-R engine and maintains a gross weight of 2,800 lbs. from its previous version. This aircraft was first certified on June 17, 1964.
Skywagon 180J
For unknown reasons, Cessna skips the Skywagon’s “I” model and jumps into its “J” variant, receiving its certification on October 13, 1972. This 6-seat high-wing light aircraft is powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-R or O-470-S engine and has a gross weight of 2,800 lbs.
Skywagon 180K
The final of Cessna’s Skywagon series is its 180K, a 6-seat high-wing light aircraft powered by a 230-horsepower Continental O-470-U engine, which specifically uses AVGAS 100 or 100LL. Previous engines were designed for AVGAS 80 (80/87). This landplane has a gross weight of 2,800 lbs. and was first certified on August 19, 1976. The last 180 came off Cessna’s production line on September 10, 1981.
Top Cessna Skywagon 180 A-K Questions
Check out FAQs about Cessna’s Skywagon 180 A-K.
What Is The Average Price Of A Cessna 180?
Because the 180’s production ranges from 1953 to 1981, the average price of a pre-owned Skywagon costs about $99,500 to $395,000.
How Much Fuel Does A Cessna 180 Burn Per Hour?
According to Aviation Consumer, a 180 Skywagon burns about 11 or 11.5 gallons per hour at normal cruise speed.
What The Difference Between A Cessna 180 & 185?
Because the 185 was designed based on the 180, there are a few similarities. However, its main difference lies in the engines it uses. The 180 has a carbureted 230-horsepower Continental 0-470-U engine and the 185 has a fuel-injected 260-horsepower Continental IO-520-D engine.
Is It Possible To Modify A Cessna Skywagon?
Yes. A Cessna Skywagon 180 can be modified to include new avionics, an engine upgrade, and countless interior and exterior changes. Many Skywagon owners also prefer to upgrade the 180’s Hartzell and McCauley propellers. Other kits can be purchased to extend baggage capacity, modify its wings, and beyond.
Why Would A Skywagon 180 Need A Float Kit?
A float kit helps the 180 convert from a landplane to a seaplane. By adding 36 pounds to the empty weight, a seaplane kit includes the hardware required for its conversion and the strengthening needed for the airframe to endure operating as a seaplane.
Was The Skywagon 180 Used For The Military?
Yes. Cessna’s 180 has been used in the following military organizations:
- Royal Australian Air Force
- Australian Army Aviation
- Union Of Burma Air Force
- Public Force Of Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduran Air Force
- Indonesian Air Force
- Israeli Air Force
- Khmer Air Force
- Nicaragua
- Philippine Air Force
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