Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’s Top Pick is a 1979 Cessna TR182 Skylane.
Anyone who has flown a Cessna 182 of any vintage knows that the only major difficulty with the airplane is finding fault with its design and capability. Whether you are flying an early straight-tail example from the 1950s or that latest, luxurious, glass-panel version, the Skylane proves itself as the brawny go-to for just about any mission.
The Skylane has come in a variety of “flavors” over the decades, and the aircraft for sale today is a particularly interesting derivative. Cessna offered Skylanes with retractable gear from 1978 through ’86 in turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions. Our featured airplane is one of the turbo models, which are coveted for their capability at higher altitudes where non-turbo engines steadily lose power.
The ability to fly high with full power, plus the significant drag reduction of retractable gear, give the TR182 an advantage of up to 15 ktas in cruise speeds over standard Skylanes. The retractable model’s extra speed is noticeable, especially over long distances, when you arrive at your destination sooner than expected.
Perhaps the main complaint many pilots share is that Cessna did not build enough of these sleek, high-wing birds.
This 1979 Cessna TR182 has 2,746 hours on the airframe and 460 hours since overhaul on its turbocharged Lycoming O-540 engine, which has a 2,000-hour TBO. The aircraft has a wet-wing fuel system with a 92-gallon capacity and a useful load of 1,170 pounds.
The thoughtfully updated panel, which received its current IFR certification in February 2026, features a Garmin GTN 750Xi GPS/nav/com, Flight Stream 510, dual Garmin G5s for HSI and attitude indicator, GFC 500 autopilot, Insight G2 engine monitor, Shadin fuel flow monitor, digital fuel gauges, electric trim and trim servo for autopilot.
Pilots looking for a cross-country capable with the favorable flying and hauling characteristics of Cessna’s venerable Skylane and the added performance potential of turbocharging and retractable gear should consider this 1979 Cessna TR182 Skylane, which is available for $259,000 on AircraftForSale.
If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.
- FLYING Magazine: Turbo Skylane Returns to Cessna’s Lineup
- FLYING Magazine: Ultimate Issue: We Fly the Cessna T182T Skylane
- FLYING Magazine: What Are the Rectangular Things on My Cessna Skylane Elevators?
- Plane + Pilot: Used Cessna 182 Skylanes
- AVweb: Used Aircraft Guide: Cessna R182 Skylane
- The Aviation Consumer: Cessna Turbo Skylane: Speed, Power, Altitude