Been crunching the W&B numbers for what I might be loading, and the C-172 with a 180hp conversion is on top of the list, an M model or a little older (as the Ns and later models are typically above by budget). A Warrior II would be second. I like the range of the Warrior (extra 100 miles), and the W&B is better than a stock 172.
The early Beech 35's in my budget have W&B issues for my potential loads. The best W&B loading for all of them has been on the C-172/180hp with the STC for +200 GW.
Good luck on your search, Jeff. Alex was anticipating a 172, but I think has changed his mind and is now thinking a 182. I like a 182 also if you can afford the extra costs. The Cessna 172 though is a great airplane, especially with a 180 hp. Hard to beat!
Good luck on your search, Jeff. Alex was anticipating a 172, but I think has changed his mind and is now thinking a 182. I like a 182 also if you can afford the extra costs. The Cessna 172 though is a great airplane, especially with a 180 hp. Hard to beat!
Yeah, I'm gunning for a 182. Though slightly terrified of the costs!
What's your mission Jeff? The reasons why I changed my mind to a 182 (if this helps) were:
- The ability to go 140-145kts if I need to. I can always slow the plane down to a 172, but I can't speed a 172 up to 140kts. - They are more stable than a 172, in my opinion. When I transitioned to the 182 after flying 172s for awhile, my first impression was that it was like comparing a Cadillac and a Toyota Corolla. Though heavier on the controls, it felt a lot more smooth and stable. Since I'm wanting to get into a lot more IFR flying, this helps. - Cabin space. In a 172, you're touching elbows, at least. In a 182, there's room between the seats without much of an issue. Your legs have room to stretch out, it's fairly roomy. - Range. Go Google the range of a 172 vs a 182... it'll surprise you. It's nearly double. - Useful load. If the 182 has the 2950 MGW, you're dealing with about 100-200lbs more useful load than a 172. - It future proofs me better. I want my next airplane to be THE airplane for me, the one that I keep for the next few decades. A 182 better future proofs me for that .
My wallet's still disagreeing with my decision, but I'm sticking to it for now!
Yeah, I'm gunning for a 182. Though slightly terrified of the costs!
The reasons why I changed my mind to a 182 (if this helps) were:
- The ability to go 140-145kts if I need to. I can always slow the plane down to a 172, but I can't speed a 172 up to 140kts. - They are more stable than a 172, in my opinion. When I transitioned to the 182 after flying 172s for awhile, my first impression was that it was like comparing a Cadillac and a Toyota Corolla. Though heavier on the controls, it felt a lot more smooth and stable. Since I'm wanting to get into a lot more IFR flying, this helps. - Cabin space. In a 172, you're touching elbows, at least. In a 182, there's room between the seats without much of an issue. Your legs have room to stretch out, it's fairly roomy. - Range. Go Google the range of a 172 vs a 182... it'll surprise you. It's nearly double. - Useful load. If the 182 has the 2950 MGW, you're dealing with about 100-200lbs more useful load than a 172. - It future proofs me better. I want my next airplane to be THE airplane for me, the one that I keep for the next few decades. A 182 better future proofs me for that .
My wallet's still disagreeing with my decision, but I'm sticking to it for now!
I flew a 182 years ago, and noticed the heavier controls. It was not gusty that day, so I would not compare smoothness issues. Just was annoyingly heavy. IF, I really wanted to get a plane that will go fast, I would bypass the 182 and opt to an early model Beech 35. I got 40 hours in an A-35 (w/225hp engine) years ago, and loved it. Flying at 150 kts, at 10.5 gph! However, costs can be an issue, nearly double insurance, about 6 more hours on annual compared to the 172, wondering if that gear REALLY is locked down despite the indicators, W&B issues compared to the 172 (or even 182), etc. But.... having flown the 150 for SO LONG, if I got a 172/180hp...it would be a long while before the smile would rub off my face.
Good luck on your search, Jeff. Alex was anticipating a 172, but I think has changed his mind and is now thinking a 182. I like a 182 also if you can afford the extra costs. The Cessna 172 though is a great airplane, especially with a 180 hp. Hard to beat!
Alex, try calling ex-member Tracey New in FL. He has a 182 that'll be affordable to get into, if you're willing to add a bit of sweat equity into it.....
Well yesterday was a "bittersweet" experience for me. At 7:55am my little "Tripple Two" headed out west to it's new owner in California.
That little C-150L contained a lot of memories of me and my late father (who taught me how to fly in it some 38 years ago), and other precious moments too. A total of 34 years of ownership between me and my late father! Sold her in '85, bought her back in '89.
The sweet part is that I'm happy that she is finally flying again after a 7-year hanger stay and heading off for a new paint and engine restoration with an A&P who wants to have her train others to fly. The song, "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston is very appropriate for this. Fly high and strong, pretty bird!
The photo below was of her taking off from my airport towards Bakersfield, CA.
Thanks for the post. Those memories will always be with you. It was nice that the picture you took of her flying to a new home included the moon directly over her.
![[Linked Image from animatedimages.org]](https://www.animatedimages.org/data/media/218/animated-penguin-image-0137.gif)
![[Linked Image from visitedstatesmap.com]](https://visitedstatesmap.com/image/ALARILINIAKSKYLAMDMIMNMSMONJOHOKPATNTXWVWI4387262092be694508e4e9f014001607468590med.jpg)