Cessna 180 Skywagon

The Cessna 180 Skywagon is a four‑seat, single‑engine high‑wing aircraft that entered production in 1952 and remained in production until 1962. Developed from the earlier Cessna 170, the 180 was designed to meet the growing demand for a rugged, utility aircraft capable of operating from short, unimproved strips. Its most recognizable feature is the reinforced undercarriage and optional float or tundra‑wheel kits, which give it excellent off‑field performance. Powered initially by a 225‑horsepower Continental O‑470‑H engine, later versions received a 260‑hp O‑470‑J, delivering a cruise speed around 150 knots and a useful load of roughly 1,200 pounds. The Skywagon’s all‑metal airframe, flaps that extend to 40 degrees, and a spacious cabin made it popular with bush pilots, aerial survey crews, and flight schools. Over 3,000 units were built, and many remain active in the general aviation fleet, often modified with modern avionics. Its combination of simplicity, durability, and adaptability cemented the Cessna 180’s reputation as a workhorse of post‑war aviation, influencing later models such as the Cessna 185. Today the aircraft is cherished by vintage enthusiasts and continues to serve in remote operations, demonstrating the timeless appeal of its design.

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