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The Cessna 182 Skylane is a four-seat, single-engined piston aircraft that was introduced in 1956 as a tricycle gear variant of the 180. Over the years, it has become the second most popular Cessna model and has had multiple variants. It has seen upgrades such as a wider fuselage, swept tailfin with rear "omni-vision" window, enlarged baggage compartment, higher gross weights, different engines and new seating designs.
It is still available for purchase, but owning an aircraft goes beyond the initial price. Fuel, repairs, insurance and other necessary expenses all need to be considered when purchasing. For first-time buyers, it's important to consider all factors.
According to AOPA, a 182 Skylane can cost between $25,000 to $40,000 in 2026 for a 100-hour flight year with typical squawks. For example, a 100-hour-per-year Cessna 182 Skylane can cost between $25,000 to $40,000 in 2026 due to both annual fixed costs that can range between $6,500 and $19,500
What Is the Hourly Operating Cost of a Cessna 182?
A Cessna 182's hourly operating cost can range from $180 to $210 per flight hour in 2026. This can vary depending on the cost of fuel and oil, maintenance, repair costs, engine reserves, storage pricing and how often the aircraft is flown. AOPA's calculator yields approximately $184/hour all-in, while real-world owner data from 2024 and 2025 reflects closer to $210/hour.
How Much Fuel Does a Cessna 182 Burn?
Depending on the variant, 10 to 14 gallons of fuel can be burned per hour (gph). The 182L variant can burn 13.5 gph, the 182P can burn 13.8 gph and the 182T can burn 12.5 per hour, according to planephd. The T182T turbo can potentially burn the most fuel in an hour, ranging from 12 to 14 gph. The diesel variant burns the least at about 11 gph.
The average price for 100LL aviation fuel as of May 12, 2026 is $7.22, according to Globalair.com's own fuel data. So it can cost between $72.20 and $101.08 to fly the Skylane for an hour. It should also be noted that this price can vary depending on location, with the FAA Alaska region reporting the highest average 100LL price of $10.58 and the FAA Central region reporting the lowest 100LL price at an average of $6.45.
Variant Average gallons per hour Average price per hour182L 13.5 $87.47182P 13.8 $99.64182T 12.5 $90.25T182T turbo 12 - 14 $86.64 - $101.08Diesel 11 $79.42What Are the Annual Fixed Costs of Owning a Cessna 182?
Along with hourly cost, owners of any aircraft have to pay fixed costs. Fixed costs can include insurance, hangar storage, annual inspections, registration and any subscriptions. The total fixed cost can vary between $6,500 and $19,500, depending on hangar/insurance profile.
Storage costs are a fixed charge that is different depending on how an owner chooses to store their aircraft. The annual cost of an enclosed hangar can range from $3,600 to $12,000, according to Piston Aircraft Loans. Outdoor tiedowns are typically 50 to 70% lower than hangar storage, but leave the aircraft exposed to the elements and can cause long-term damage if proper upkeep is not done.
How Much Does a Cessna 182 Annual Inspection Cost?
It is recommended by the POA owner consensus to have a budget of $3,000 or more for an annual inspection. Owner reports show that $2,500 to $4,000 is the typical range for inspections, according to Pilots of America.
It is important to know the distinction between inspection and discrepancy repair. Inspections are regular checks to ensure that everything in an aircraft is operating as it should, while discrepancy repair is performed when a known problem is identified. Discrepancy repair costs will depend on what needs to be repaired or replaced, and can increase the costs of an inspection if repairs need to be done after one. Items specific to the Skylane Owner-assisted annuals can reduce labor costs meaningfully when compared to full-service shop labor.RELATED STORIES:Textron celebrates Cessna 182 Skylane 70th anniversaryAircraft Comparison: Cirrus SR22 G7 vs Cessna 182T Turbo SkylaneCessna 172 Skyhawk celebrates 70 years of flight
How Much Does Insurance Cost on a Cessna 182?
Annual insurance typically costs between $1,900 and $3,000 per year for a $250K hull with a qualified pilot, according to BWI Aviation Insurance. Similar to cars, prices depend on pilot hours, instrument rating, hull value and named pilot policy. New pilots can pay between $2,000 and$3,500, while experienced pilots will have lower costs ranging from $1,200 to $2,000.
The 182 insures favorably when compared to retractable or high-performance singles, due to its better safety record, lower maintenance complexity and lack of high-risk accident types.
What Is the Engine Overhaul Reserve for a Cessna 182?
The time between overhauls (TBO) and the cost of overhauls are different depending on the type of engine. The Continental O-470 is used in older 182s and has a TBO of 1,500 hours. Overhaul costs for this engine range from $35,000 to $50,000. The Lycoming IO-540 is used in newer variants, like the 182T+, and has a TBO of 2,000 hours. Its overhaul costs can be between $55,000 and $85,000, according to flying411.com.
Is a Cessna 182 Worth the Cost?
The Cessna 182 Skylane is best for the first-time family traveler and for people who fly in groups. It works as a great upgrade from the Cessna 172 if someone is looking to fly in the backcountry. For those who are looking for a training aircraft or who primarily fly short trips, the Cessna 172 would be better suited for their needs. Buyers who prioritize speed, a Bonanza or Cirrus would work better as the 182 is built for utility.