Trying to choose between the Cessna 172 vs 182? This article breaks down their performance, costs, and features to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• The Cessna 172 is better for flight training due to lower costs and more forgiving flying, the Cessna 182 is for more experienced pilots and longer flights.

• The Cessna 182 has higher cruise speed, useful load and high-altitude performance than the Cessna 172, good for longer trips and heavier loads.

• The Cessna 172 is generally cheaper with lower operating and maintenance costs, the Cessna 182 with more features and bigger cabin is more expensive but more comfortable and capable.

Overview of Cessna 172 and 182

The Cessna 172 and 182 are among the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history. Introduced in 1956, the 172 has been built in roughly 44,000 units enough to make it the go-to choice for many flight schools.

That reputation has endured for decades, thanks to Cessna’s consistent quality and reliability. That’s why pilots around the world trust these aircraft. Owning your own aircraft can make flying more accessible and affordable, especially for personal and family travel.

Both the 172 and 182 have that familiar Cessna look and tricycle landing gear. But the 182 stands out with its speed and performance at high altitudes. You’ll also find more advanced features on the 182, making it a better fit for families or longer flights. That’s because it can carry passengers and their luggage comfortably.

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Understanding the differences between these two aircraft can be a big help for student pilots and private pilots looking to buy their first plane. Both models were reintroduced in 1997 and continue to adapt to the changing needs of pilots today.

Performance Comparison

When looking at aircraft, performance is key. The Cessna 172 and 182 share some similarities but differ greatly in cruise speed, useful load and high altitude performance.

These differences will guide a pilot’s decision depending on their flying needs and goals.

Cruise Speed

The Cessna 182 has a cruise speed of 145 knots, much faster than the Cessna 172’s 122 knots. The 182’s more powerful engine allows for quicker climbs and shorter flight times on longer flights.

Pilots who need to cover more distance quickly will like the 182’s faster speed.

Useful Load

In terms of useful load the Cessna 182 beats the 172 with over 1100 pounds vs 910 pounds. The 182 can carry more weight, whether it’s more passengers or more cargo.

The Cessna 172 payload, while adequate for most training and light travel needs, is more limited compared to the 182. The 182 is better for missions that require more weight capacity.

High Altitude Performance

The Cessna 182 really stands out when you need to fly at high altitude. Its service ceiling of 18,100 feet dwarfs that of the Cessna 172 at 14,000 feet. That extra altitude capability is exactly what you need for those mountainous areas and long-distance flights: better handling and efficiency.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency

The engine and fuel efficiency of an aircraft are pivotal factors that affect both performance and operating costs.

The Cessna 182 is equipped with a more powerful engine, giving it an edge in speed and payload capacity, especially when compared to those with the same engine. However, this comes with trade-offs in terms of fuel consumption.

Four Cylinder Engine vs. More Powerful Engine

The Cessna 172 has a four cylinder engine, the Cessna 182 has a six cylinder engine with 230 horsepower. This extra power gives the 182 more performance and the option for a turbocharged version for even more power.

This means the 182 is more powerful.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel burn is another big consideration. The Cessna 172 is more fuel efficient, burning 8-10 gallons an hour, great for frequent flyers. The Cessna 182 burns 13-14 gallons an hour, more power means more fuel. While the 182’s higher fuel burn is due to its performance, it may not be as budget friendly for cash strapped pilots.

Cost of Ownership and Maintenance

Cost is a big factor when it comes to owning an aircraft. Variations in purchase price, operating costs and maintenance costs between the Cessna 172 and 182 will impact overall affordability for private owners.

Owning your own aircraft can make flying more accessible and affordable, offering practical benefits for both leisure and family travel.

Operating Costs

Operating costs for the Cessna 172 are lower than the 182 mainly because of its lower fuel consumption and simpler mechanical systems. Annual operating costs for the 172 are around $5,000 to $10,000 for 100 hours of flight time making it a more budget friendly option for pilots on a budget.

The 172 burns only 8-10 gallons per hour, that’s how fuel efficient it is.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs are another big consideration. With its advanced systems and bigger engine the Cessna 182 has higher maintenance costs than the 172. These higher costs will impact overall cost of owning a 182 making maintenance a big factor in your decision.

Cabin Space and Comfort

Cabin space and comfort are key on longer flights. Both the Cessna 172 and 182 can carry 4 passengers but the cabins are very different.

Cabin Size

The Cessna 182 has a bigger cabin with more legroom and headroom than the 172. More cabin volume means more interior space, so the 182 is perfect for longer flights where comfort is the priority.

Passenger Capacity

Both can carry 4 passengers but the Cessna 182 is more comfortable for longer trips. The 182’s bigger cabin makes it the better choice for comfort flights.

Flight Characteristics and Training Suitability

Flight characteristics and training suitability are important for both new and experienced pilots.

The Cessna 172 and 182 serve different levels of pilot expertise and training needs. Pilots looking to advance their skills may need to log time in complex aircraft to meet FAA requirements for a commercial pilot certificate.

Training Flights

Flight schools love the Cessna 172 for its gentle flight dynamics and lower costs. Stability, ease of handling and reliability make it perfect for new pilots.

Simple cockpit and intuitive controls help student pilots build fundamental flying skills, especially during slow flight Cessna 172 training exercises where control and coordination are crucial.

For newbies the 172 is generally better due to its forgiving nature and lower cost.

Experienced Pilots

The Cessna 182 has more performance for experienced pilots looking for more advanced flying. Performance in different weather and higher capabilities make the 182 the choice for experienced pilots looking to advance their skills.

Avionics and Technology

Avionics and technology are key to modern aviation, safety and pilot proficiency. Both the Cessna 172 and 182 have evolved but there are some notable differences.

Traditional Avionics vs. Modern Setup

The Cessna 172 used to have traditional analog avionics, less complex than the digital systems in modern aircraft. The introduction of the Garmin G1000 in the Cessna 182 was a big step to a fully integrated cockpit, a state of the art flying experience.

Modern Cessna’s like the 182 now have sophisticated avionics systems that greatly enhance navigation and operational capabilities.

Additional Considerations

Additional factors beyond performance and cost must be considered when choosing between the Cessna 172 and 182. Owning your own aircraft can make flying more accessible and affordable, offering practical benefits for both leisure and family travel.

These include budget constraints, complexity, features, and typical flight routes.

Budget Constraints

Budget is key. Overall ownership costs for the Cessna 172 and 182 include purchase price, operating and maintenance. The 172 is generally cheaper to operate so is a budget friendly option for many pilots. The 182’s higher maintenance costs due to its complex systems may be a consideration for potential owners.

For tighter budgets the Cessna 172 is the more affordable option.

Complexity and Features

An aircraft’s complexity and features can make a big difference in how easy it is to fly and what kind of pilot you need to be. The Cessna 182 often has features like retractable landing gear and variable pitch propeller which add to its complexity and require more advanced pilot training.

These features improve performance but require more pilot proficiency.

Typical Flight Routes

Typical flight routes also influence the choice between the Cessna 172 and 182. The 172 is better for short flights, typically around 640 nautical miles at 75% power. For longer journeys exceeding 900 nautical miles, the Cessna 182 is generally preferred.

Pilots planning longer cross-country trips will find the 182 offers superior range and comfort.

How to Choose the Right Aircraft

When it comes to selecting the right aircraft for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Whether you’re a student pilot, a private pilot, or a commercial pilot, the right aircraft can make all the difference in your flying experience.

Decision-Making Framework

To make an informed decision, consider the following framework:

1. Purpose: What will you be using the aircraft for? Flight training, personal flying, or commercial operations? The Cessna 172 is ideal for flight training and personal flying due to its lower costs and forgiving nature. On the other hand, the Cessna 182, with its higher performance and larger cabin, is better suited for commercial operations and long-distance flights.

2. Budget: What is your budget for purchasing or renting an aircraft? The Cessna 172 is generally more budget-friendly, both in terms of purchase price and operating costs. The Cessna 182, while more expensive, offers more features and capabilities.

3. Performance: What are your requirements for speed, range, and payload capacity? The Cessna 182 offers higher cruise speed, greater useful load, and better high-altitude performance, making it suitable for longer trips and heavier loads.

4. Maintenance: What are the maintenance costs and requirements for the aircraft? The Cessna 172 has lower maintenance costs due to its simpler mechanical systems, while the Cessna 182, with its more advanced systems, incurs higher maintenance costs.

5. Training: What kind of training is required to fly the aircraft, and what are the costs associated with it? The Cessna 172 is perfect for new pilots due to its ease of handling, while the Cessna 182 may require a high-performance endorsement and additional training.

Factors to Consider

Some key factors to consider when choosing an aircraft include:

1. Fuel burn: How much fuel does the aircraft consume, and what are the associated costs? The Cessna 172 is more fuel-efficient, burning 8-10 gallons per hour, while the Cessna 182 burns 13-14 gallons per hour due to its more powerful engine.

2. High-performance endorsement: Does the aircraft require a high-performance endorsement, and what are the requirements for obtaining one? The Cessna 182, with its 230-horsepower engine, requires a high-performance endorsement, which involves additional training and certification.

3. Larger fuel capacity: Does the aircraft have a larger fuel capacity, and what are the benefits of this? The Cessna 182 has a larger fuel capacity, allowing for longer flights without the need for frequent refueling.

4. Useful load: What is the useful load of the aircraft, and how does it affect its performance? The Cessna 182 has a higher useful load, making it capable of carrying more passengers and cargo.

5. Cruise speed: What is the cruise speed of the aircraft, and how does it affect its range and efficiency? The Cessna 182’s higher cruise speed of 145 knots allows for quicker travel over long distances compared to the Cessna 172’s 122 knots.

6. Full fuel: How does the aircraft perform with full fuel, and what are the implications for flight planning? The Cessna 182’s performance with full fuel is superior, making it ideal for long-distance flights.

7. More power: Does the aircraft have a more powerful engine, and what are the benefits of this? The Cessna 182’s more powerful engine provides better high-altitude performance and faster climb rates.

8. Operating costs: What are the operating costs of the aircraft, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance? The Cessna 172 has lower operating costs, making it more economical for frequent flyers.

9. Better high-altitude performance: Does the aircraft have better high-altitude performance, and what are the benefits of this? The Cessna 182 excels in high-altitude performance, making it suitable for mountainous regions and long-distance flights.

10. Cessna 172 vs Cessna 182: How do these two popular aircraft models compare, and which one is right for you? The Cessna 172 is ideal for beginners and budget-conscious pilots, while the Cessna 182 is better for experienced pilots needing more power and performance.

Summary of Key Points

• The Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 are two popular aircraft models with different characteristics and requirements.

• The Cessna 172 is a great choice for flight training and personal flying, while the Cessna 182 is better suited for commercial operations and long-distance flights.

• Fuel burn, high-performance endorsement, larger fuel capacity, useful load, cruise speed, full fuel, more power, operating costs, and better high-altitude performance are all important factors to consider when choosing an aircraft.

• The Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 have different engine types, with the Cessna 182 having a more powerful engine and variable pitch propeller.

• Owning an aircraft requires careful consideration of operating costs, maintenance, and insurance.

• The key differences between the Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 include payload capacity, fuel consumption, and high-altitude performance.

• Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure the safe operation of any aircraft.

By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can determine whether the Cessna 172 or Cessna 182 is the best fit for your flying needs and goals.