Cessna 182P Skylane (1975-1976)

The 1975-1976 Cessna 182P is the most-produced single variant in 182 history -- approximately 3,400 examples built in the two model years (Cessna ramped production hard during the mid-1970s GA boom). Mechanically nearly identical to the 182N: Continental O-470-R/S engine (later S-variant introduced mid-run), Camber-Lift wing, 2,950 lb gross, tubular gear, modern Omni-Vision cockpit.

The 182P represents the peak of the classic 182: every airframe refinement Cessna had developed across two decades was now standard. Production then continued with the 182Q (1977-1981) which was nearly identical, before the 182R (1981-1986) capped the pre-litigation era.

For buyers shopping the classic 182, the 182P is the most-available variant with the most-developed parts ecosystem.

O-470-S vs O-470-R

Mid-run on the 182P, Cessna phased in the O-470-S engine, which is a minor evolution of the O-470-R with improved magneto and accessory configuration. The R and S are largely interchangeable from a flying perspective; they share parts, run on the same fuel, and have the same 1,500-hour TBO.

For pre-buy purposes:

• Verify which variant is installed (R or S)
• Confirm parts traceability for the specific variant
• The S is slightly preferred for parts support today, but both are well-supported

142 KTAS cruise (marginally improved over 182N due to minor cowling refinement), 980 FPM climb at 2,950 lb gross, 12.5 GPH. Useful load: ~1,210 lbs.

Real-world cruise: 136-142 KTAS at economy settings, 11.5-12.5 GPH.

The fuel figures on this page were corrected against the type certificate and the range figure was not. TCDS 3A13 Rev 75 Section IX gives the 1975-1976 airplanes (S/N 18262251 thru 18265175) standard tanks of 61 gal total, 56 usable, with a long-range option of 80 gal total, 75 usable -- not the 65 and 88 gallons this page previously carried. The ~620 NM range and 12.5 GPH burn are still April 2026 generated figures written against a 65-gallon airplane, have NOT been re-sourced, and should be treated as unverified until the 182P POH (Cessna P/N D1062-13) is read.

Identical operation to 182J-N. See Cessna 182 Skylane (1967-1970) for general O-470 notes. Field overhaul: $42,000–$54,000.

The 182P is the price reference point for classic 182s in the market. Its volume production makes it the most-traded variant; pricing tracks closely with 182Q. Restored 182Ps with modern panels (Garmin G500 or G1000-equivalent retrofits) routinely exceed $130,000.

Universal Cessna 182 pre-buy concerns apply. 182P-specific:

1. High-time training-fleet 182Ps: Many 182Ps spent time as instrument trainers; check total time and cycle counts.
2. Engine variant (R vs S): Verify which O-470 variant is installed; some mid-production 182Ps were swapped between variants during overhauls.
3. Long-range tanks: The factory long-range option on a 1975-1976 182P is 80 gal total / 75 usable (two 37-gal wing tanks) per TCDS 3A13 Rev 75. Anything larger is an STC and needs documentation. The 88-gallon figure often quoted for a "long-range 182" is the 1979-1980 182Q's integral wet wing, a different airplane.
4. Late-1970s panel design: Original 1975-1976 panels often have outdated avionics that should be budgeted for upgrade. Full panel modernization: $20,000-$45,000.