C182 Downsides

Dan208B

Dan208B

Well-Known Member
Hey all, I'm looking at Cessna 182s to upgrade to from my current airplane. After a great deal of research it seems to be the right airplane to fit my mission (some fun/scenic flying with some cross countries and light IFR as well). I'm looking at year ranges from about 1968 - 1979 (L-Q models). I am pretty well sold on this airplane type and am pretty familiar with their capabilities and such. I have a bit of time in a 1974 P model but its been about 7 years since I've flown one. What I'm looking for is any input on downsides of these airplanes to be aware of, both from operational and maintenance perspectives. It seems like there are very few but I thought I would solicit this group as there are probably a lot of people with more 182 time than I have. Thanks!
 
Cessna parts are approaching Beech in ridiculosity. Bought a door handle shaft for a 206/207 one week for $600 (already highway robbery) but the next week it was up to $1000. We spent thousands of dollars just on refurbing 2 pilot seats this winter. Then again on a private plane you won't see near the wear and tear and subsequent parts costs that we do. It may have a Conti but at least the bottom cowl comes off so the inevitable cylinder, intake rubber, and pushrod seal changes are a little easier.
 
If I were to buy a plane today it would be a 182. Their performance matches my mission and they are comparatively simple aircraft to maintain.

That said, Roger is correct. I just tried to replace the door catch on one and Cessna wanted nearly $600 for a 7" piece of aluminum bar stock with two holes and a 18 degree bend in it.
 
esa17 said:
If I were to buy a plane today it would be a 182. Their performance matches my mission and they are comparatively simple aircraft to maintain.

That said, Roger is correct. I just tried to replace the door catch on one and Cessna wanted nearly $600 for a 7" piece of aluminum bar stock with two holes and a 18 degree bend in it.
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Try a rod end for the steering bungee on a 206/207. $1000 for a 2 inch course thread rod end with an eye bearing. Then on the other hand, a 5 foot section of aft spar was about $300. No sense to any of it.
 
Wow that's absolutely crazy on parts. I'll be sure to be careful with the doors. I actually looked into 182RGs (lycoming) but what scared me away was a friend knew someone that had a gear part crack from normal wear and it was like $18k. I have no idea what but I can't have an engine fund and a random gear part breaking fund for that amount.
 
Dan208B said:
Let me know if you hear of any around here. And/or anyone that wants to buy a taildragger. And when I find something, come on out and fly!
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Only thing I know of is my copilot's fam has a 180 that has been out of annual for a few years, sitting in Idaho.
 
Late 70s, has a float kit but never used. "Upgraded" avionics. He's going to reach out and touch base and see if the old man wants to sell.
Let's connect next week.
 
I was going to suggest that the major downside is you could have @mikecweb and @DPApilot onboard and carry gas.

Great for vacations with the wife, difficult to continue giving the "well, the math just doesn't work for takeoff" excuse.
 
mikecweb said:
You're just jealous because you can't see over the glare shield.
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For parts, check out these places. Tell them what damage is on the part being removed so you'll get one in better shape. "As removed" is still good.

Dodson Intl
White Industries
Wentworth

As for the Cessna retracts, you're looking at $7000+/actuator OHE. That's without the power pack, too.

The best Wichita built 182s are the Peterson/Wren conversions.
 
deadstick said:
For parts, check out these places. Tell them what damage is on the part being removed so you'll get one in better shape. "As removed" is still good.

Dodson Intl
White Industries
Wentworth

As for the Cessna retracts, you're looking at $7000+/actuator OHE. That's without the power pack, too.

The best Wichita built 182s are the Peterson/Wren conversions.
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Yeah for private guys salvage yards are good options. For 135 where the airplane needs to make money even with the absurd prices new is often worth it because you won't have to replace it again in 6 months. Although even salvage yards are getting spendy these days.
 
Even as an A&P I wouldn't hardly consider a retrac for my personal airplane because of the additional maintenance expense. If it moves it breaks and all that jazz. On top of that you reall don't get enough of a performance increase to justify the additional weight either.

Just about the only retract I would consider is a Johnson-bar mooney but someone who has never looked at the cabin dimensions of a bonanza will be along shortly to tell you how much smaller they are. (Hint: headroom doesn't equal legroom)
 
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