Category Archives: Cessna 182

Cessna 182, good for low time pilot?

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Cessna 182, good for low time pilot?

cessna 182

Recently I had a call asking “should a low time pilot buy a Cessna 182”?  The caller was concerned because they only had 75 hours total time and all of that was in a Cessna 172. On top of that, they had a chance to buy a Cessna 182 that has very low time and is a clean airplane, should they be concerned about their low total time when moving up to a 182?

My quick thoughts. The Cessna 182 is a great aircraft. It offers an excellent platform for instrument (IFR) training, is a respectable cross country aircraft and is reasonably cost effective to operate. As a private pilot, your first year will be a little more expensive to insure because of your low hours, but that’s about it.  Yes, it does cost slightly more to maintain than a Cessna 172, but the difference is slight, mainly in the fuel burn and engine costs.  The Continental six-cylinder, 470 engine (or the Lycoming 540 in the new models) are very reliable engines.  Parts are in supply, aftermarket items and service is available almost anywhere you can fly to.

About the only thing that seems to bother the 182 are the fuel bladders in the pre-1979 aircraft and the nose gear impacts that low time pilots inflict during training. The 182 gets quite a few hard landings on the nose, typically when they are full of fuel and lightly loaded with passengers and baggage.  A pilot tends to run out of elevator in the flare a little higher than they should and drop them on the nose.  Nothing that cannot be corrected with a good dose of training at different loads.

As with any other aircraft, a good pre-buy inspection for damage history, corrosion and maintenance should be done before the purchase.  Also line up an instructor that has a fair amount of time in the Cessna 182 and they can show you how well the aircraft can really perform. Oh, and if you are used to the Cessna 172, the 182 will just require more arm muscles in the flare.  The heavy control pressure will be notable for the first few hours, after that, it’s a typical Cessna!

FORWARD VISION ANNOUNCES CESSNA STC/AML FOR 100/200 SERIES AIRCRAFT

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This is a great system that adds safety to every flight. You don’t need to be in bad weather to appreciate it. Forward Vision, check it out.

FORWARD VISION ANNOUNCES CESSNA STC/AML FOR 100/200 SERIES AIRCRAFT

Russell, PA., June 15, 2009: Forward Vision Systems, Inc announced today the issuance of a Supplemental Type Certificate (“STC”) for installation of its Enhanced Vision Systems on most single-engine Cessna model aircraft.

“Our team is thrilled to offer safer skies to upward of 40,000 Cessna aircraft owners”, noted Patrick Farrell, CEO and Founder. “With this STC, Forward Vision affirms its position as the industry leader in making this safety technology available to GA pilots around the world-and we welcome Cessna operators to our family.” Farrell noted that this latest STC includes all 158 models of Cessna 100 and 200 series models except the 208 and P210 models, the latter being handled under separate STC initiatives to be completed soon.

EVS systems -commonly known as infrared or thermal imaging cameras-turn night into day for the pilot and help to penetrate haze, fog, smoke and precipitation 8 to 10 times further than the human eye. Easily installed (like an antenna) and intuitive to use, Forward Vision’s EVS 100/600 systems utilize military-grade infrared detectors, are “sunlight safe,” and offer excellent gray scale for remarkable detail and sensitivity. Though EVS has been available in business jets for some time, the Forward. Vision.® EVS-100/600 systems are designed specifically for use in light general aviation aircraft.

The Cessna STC follows the success of a Company announcement earlier this year for an STC on Cirrus models. At Sun N Fun, world-renowned airshow performer Patty Wagstaff announced her support of the Forward Vision EVS-100, which she is installing on her personal SR22 Cirrus. “The reason I am still here doing what I love to do, besides the constant practicing”, said Wagstaff, “is I have taken time to investigate and then equip my aircraft to the safest possible standards. The Forward-Vision EVS-100, like the parachute on my Cirrus, gives me one additional level of safety”.

The Cessna STC for the Forward Vision EVS-100 was developed in conjunction with One Sky Aviation. The Company anticipates STC kit availability to be imminent, and noted that installation can be done by virtually any qualified aircraft maintenance facility in approximately one day.

“See What You’ve Been Missing!” ™

About Forward. Vision.®
Forward Vision continues as the industry leader in the integration of affordable EVS technology into the general aviation cockpit. These systems help to prevent spatial disorientation, inadvertent entry into IMC when VFR, CFIT, midairs, runway incursions and airport accidents.

Forward Vision is the exclusive distributor/integrator of the EVS-100 and EVS-600 product line designed, certified and manufactured by Max-Viz, Inc. and refined to Forward Vision specifications under a private label agreement. Forward Vision provides product sales, airframe certifications (STC’s) and installation/operational support for EVS applications in the General Aviation fleet. For more information about Forward Vision and it’s products, please go to www.forward-vision.net .

Glasair Brings Back 1970’s Pricing!

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I have been a fan of the Glasair aircraft for years. The Sportsman is a great aircraft. For less money than a new Cessna 182 you can get more performance, useful load and speed than a Cessna 182. If you are flying two people and baggage, the Sportsman could be the best plane for you. And now, reduced pricing and its ready to taxi in two weeks? Wow!

Arlington, WA, March 26, 2009—Glasair Aviation is offering six (6) ‘Two Weeks To Taxi’ Sportsman 2+2 aircraft at more than 25% off the normal price on a first come, first served basis.

For just $118,999 customers can spend 2 weeks to build a Sportsman with a 180hp Lycoming 0-360, a Sensenich fixed-pitch propeller and complete VFR instrument panel. Upgrade to the fuel-injected I0-360 and a Hartzell constant speed prop and spend only $124,999.

“In this economic climate customers sometimes forgo buying unless there is a compelling reason to do so. We’ve just provided a substantially compelling reason to buy a Sportsman – a 25% discount on a brand new, high utility/high performance airplane.” says Mikael Via, Glasair’s chief executive officer. “For this brief moment and for a limited number of customers, Glasair is bringing back 1970’s pricing!”

Glasair has recently expanded their Two Weeks to Taxi services to offer the pilot/builder community a number of time saving services for discounted pricing. For example, Glasair offers a 3 day Firewall Forward installation program where Glasair, Glastar and Sportsman customers bring in their fuselage, engine, mount, prop and spinner and utilize the Two Weeks To Taxi processes and fixtures to install all firewall forward components and accessories in just 3 days!

Another program offers customers the Two Weeks To Taxi facilities to builders who want to complete their wings in only 3 days!

Both programs are priced more than 30% off Glasair’s normal builder-assist pricing.

For Glastar and Sportsman owners who already have their aircraft flying, more savings are available in a 2 day program that allows builders to upgrade their instrument panels. Similar deals are available for interior installations and upgrades.

Customers who come to Glasair’s Arlington, Washington Customer Assistance Center can take advantage of other limited-time offers with deep discounts on aircraft paint or annual inspections by trained factory personnel.

For more information on all the Glasair programs, visit the website, www.GlasairAviation.com or call 1-360-435-8533 x 232.