Cessna 180C

The Cessna 180C, introduced in 1955, is a six‑seat, single‑engine high‑wing aircraft that marked a turning point for light utility aviation. Developed by the Cessna Aircraft Company as a larger, more rugged counterpart to the popular 170 series, the 180C featured a 225‑horsepower Continental O‑470‑M engine, a strengthened airframe, and optional float or ski fittings, making it ideal for bush flying, agricultural work, and personal transport in remote areas. Its spacious cabin, payload, and the inclusion of a controllable‑pitch propeller provided superior climb performance and handling at altitude. The aircraft’s fixed tricycle or conventional tailwheel landing gear offered versatility across varied terrain, while its design ensured low operating costs and ease of maintenance. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the 180C became a favorite among pilots who needed reliable access to rugged environments, contributing to the expansion of air services in Alaska, Canada, and the mountainous western United States. The model set the stage for the later Cessna 185 Skywagon, solidifying Cessna’s reputation for durable, adaptable utility aircraft that continue to influence modern general‑aviation design. Over 2,500 units were produced before the line ended in 1962, and many remain active in museums and private collections, testifying to the type’s lasting appeal.