The Cessna 180, a Model 182 Skylane with conventional landing gear, has a reputation for versatility and ruggedness. Over 6,000 180/185s aircraft were produced, in a production run that started in 1953 with the Cessna 180 powered by a 225 hp Continental O-470 engine. The last year of production, 1981, saw the Model 180K powered by a 230 hp Continental O-470 engine.
The Cessna 180 continued throughout its production run with only modest changes in gross weight, fuel capacity, and the change to the 230 hp version of the Continental O-470 in 1957 . Since the Cessna 182 had essentially the same airframe and engine as the 180, the main justification for a Cessna 180 was its ability to operate out of rough or unimproved fields.
The Cessna 180 is just as commonly found on floats, as wheels or skis. The 180 has easily removable seats and wide cabin doors on both sides of the cabin. The 180 is known as a full fuel (standard fuel), four-passenger aircraft. Handling is predictable and, for a tail dragger, not unusually tricky to handle on the ground. Being a “bush” airplane, there are a number of STOL and modifications plus the ability to convert to a 300 hp IO-550 engine.
The Cessna 180 remains a popular model and its residual values confirm its popularity.