Cessna 182R Skylane (1981-1986)

The 1981-1986 Cessna 182R is the last 182 built before the 1986 product liability shutdown that ended Cessna's piston single production for over a decade. It is also the highest-gross-weight classic 182 at 3,100 lbs (a 150-lb increase over the 182P/Q's 2,950 lbs), and the first 182 with 88-gallon fuel capacity as standard. Approximately 2,700 examples were produced across the six-year run -- a deliberate slow-down as Cessna prepared to exit piston single production.

The 182R is widely considered the most capable classic 182: highest useful load, longest range, latest airframe refinements, modern interior trim. It also commands the highest pricing of the 182J-R range due to its newer airframe age and "last classic" status. For buyers shopping the pre-litigation 182 market, the 182R is the premium variant.

3,100 lb Gross Weight

The 150-lb gross weight increase from 2,950 to 3,100 lbs is the single most consequential 182 improvement of the pre-litigation era. With a typical 1,770 lb empty weight:

• 182Q useful load (2,950 gross): ~1,200 lbs
• 182R useful load (3,100 gross): ~1,330 lbs

That's an extra adult passenger of capacity, or 22 additional gallons of fuel. Combined with the standard 88-gallon fuel tanks:

The 182R can routinely fly 6+ hour legs at full gross with four people aboard -- the only classic 182 that can do this consistently within W&B.

88-Gallon Standard Fuel

Earlier 182s had 65 gallons standard (75 gallon long-range optional, then 88 gallon "extra long range" optional). The 182R made 88 gallons standard from the factory -- 528 lbs of fuel capacity. This enables:

• 820+ NM range with 45-min reserves at economy cruise
• 6.5-7 hour endurance
• True transcontinental capability with single refuel stop

The 88-gallon tanks are integral to the wing structure (vs. add-on bladder tanks) and have generally aged well; expect to find them in good condition unless damaged.

142 KTAS cruise (essentially identical to 182P/Q at lower gross; slightly lower performance at 3,100 lb gross), 980 FPM climb at 3,100 lb gross (declines to ~900 FPM in practice), 12.5 GPH. Useful load: ~1,330 lbs. Range with reserves: ~820 NM at economy settings.

Real-world cruise: 136-142 KTAS at 65% power. Climb rate at gross is noticeably degraded vs lighter-loaded 182s -- expect 600-700 FPM at 5,000 ft density altitude.

Identical to 182Q. See Cessna 182Q Skylane (1977-1981) for engine notes. Field overhaul: $42,000–$54,000.

The 182R commands a $10,000-$25,000 premium over a 182Q in equivalent condition due to higher gross weight, longer range, and newer airframe. Late-run 182Rs (1985-1986) typically command the highest pricing of any classic 182 due to "last pre-litigation" status.

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

1. Cessna SIDs: The 1981-1986 airframes are old enough now (40+ years) that Cessna SID compliance is a real cost item. Full SID inspection: $5,000-$15,000+.
2. 88-gallon tank condition: Integral wing tanks aged 40+ years can develop leaks at riveted seams. Pressure-test during pre-buy.
3. Gross weight verification: 3,100 lb gross is meaningfully higher than earlier variants; some 182Rs may have been operated routinely at gross -- inspect for fatigue at horizontal stab attach and wing strut attach.
4. Late-1980s avionics: Original 1985-1986 panels may have 1980s-era avionics that are obsolete. Plan for $20,000-$50,000 in panel modernization for serious IFR use.