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Cessna 182 Operating Costs: Complete Financial Breakdown
The Cessna 182's superior capabilities come with higher operating costs than the 172. Understanding these expenses is essential for financial planning. From fuel burn to engine maintenance reserves to insurance, detailed cost analysis helps owners evaluate affordability and optimize spending. This comprehensive guide breaks down every operating expense and provides calculation tools for your specific mission profile.
Fuel Costs & Consumption
Fuel represents the largest direct operating expense for general aviation aircraft.
182P Fuel Consumption
- 75% power cruise: 12-13 gallons per hour
- 65% power cruise: 10-11 gph 55% power cruise: 8-9 gph
- Typical cross-country: 11 gph average (65-75% power)
- Block fuel for 500nm: 50-55 gallons
182T (Turbo) Fuel Consumption
- 75% power at 5,000 ft: 13-14 gph
- Altitude advantage: Better fuel efficiency at high altitude
- Long-distance cruise: 11-12 gph at optimal altitude
- High-altitude capability: Justifies slight fuel burn increase
Fuel Cost Calculations
| Model | Gal/Hr | Cost @ $6/gal | 100 hrs/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 182P | 11 | $66/hr | $6,600 |
| 182T | 12 | $72/hr | $7,200 |
| Comparison: 172 | 8.5 | $51/hr | $5,100 |
Maintenance & Overhaul Reserves
Maintenance costs for the 182 are higher than the 172 but still reasonable given performance and capability.
Annual Inspection
- Simple annual: $2,500-3,500 (no issues found)
- Typical annual: $3,500-5,000 (includes minor repairs)
- Complex annual: $5,000-8,000+ (major repairs needed)
- Maintenance reserve: $25-40 per flight hour
Engine Overhaul Reserve
- O-540 overhaul cost: $18,000-28,000
- TIO-540 (turbo) overhaul: $20,000-32,000 (more complex)
- Overhaul reserve: $8-12 per flight hour
- Budget example: 100 hours annually requires $800-1,200 annual reserve
Major Component Reserves
- Propeller overhaul: $2,500-4,000 every 5-7 years
- Alternator replacement: $2,000-3,000
- Landing gear overhaul: $1,500-3,000
- Avionics repairs: Variable; $500-5,000+ depending on equipment
- Total annual component reserve: $3,000-5,000 recommended
Insurance Costs
Insurance requirements and costs vary based on pilot experience and aircraft value.
Liability Insurance
- Minimum coverage: $100,000/$100,000 ($400-600/year)
- Recommended: $1,000,000/$1,000,000 ($600-1,000/year)
- Pilot factors: Age, experience, accidents affect premiums
Hull Insurance
- 182 hull value: $80,000-200,000 typical
- Annual premiums: 3-5% of aircraft value
- Example: $150,000 aircraft = $4,500-7,500/year
- Deductible option: Higher deductible reduces premiums
Hangar & Storage
Protecting the 182 from weather is essential for long-term value maintenance.
Storage Options & Costs
- Outdoor tie-down: $100-250/month
- T-hangar: $350-600/month
- Standard hangar: $500-1,200/month
- Premium hangar: $1,000-2,000+/month
- Average budget: $400-800/month for adequate protection
Other Fixed Costs
- Registration: $5/year
- Medical exam: $75-150/year (if required)
- Avionics database updates: $300-600/year
- Club/association memberships: $50-200/year
- Total annual fixed: $400-950
Total Operating Cost Analysis
Combining all expenses provides realistic ownership cost projection.
Monthly Operating Cost (182P)
| Cost Category | 100 hrs/yr | 150 hrs/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $550 | $825 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $250 | $375 |
| Engine Overhaul Reserve | $100 | $150 |
| Insurance (hull+liability) | $500 | $500 |
| Hangar/Storage | $500 | $500 |
| TOTAL MONTHLY | $1,900 | $2,350 |
| ANNUAL TOTAL | $22,800 | $28,200 |
| COST PER HOUR | $228/hr | $188/hr |
With Loan Payment
- $150,000 aircraft purchase: 25% down ($37,500), 15-year loan at 5.5% = $849/month loan payment
- Total monthly cost with loan: $2,750-3,200
- Total monthly with loan (100 hrs/yr): $2,750/month
- Cost per flight hour (100 hrs/year): $330/hour
Comparison to Other Aircraft
Cost comparison helps evaluate 182 value proposition.
Operating Cost Comparison
| Aircraft | Fuel/Hr | Annual 100hrs | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 182P | $66 | $22,800 | — |
| Cessna 172 | $51 | $17,500 | $5,300 cheaper/year |
| Piper Dakota | $64 | $22,400 | $400 cheaper/year |
| Beechcraft A36 | $68 | $23,600 | $800 more/year |
Cost Management Strategies
Strategic approaches reduce ownership costs without sacrificing capability.
Operational Cost Reduction
- Lean mixture operation: 1-2 gph savings on long flights
- Optimal cruise altitude: Lean mixture use at 55% power saves 20% fuel
- Flight planning: Direct routes minimize flight time and fuel
- Preventive maintenance: Reduces major repairs and extends component life
Fixed Cost Optimization
- Storage alternatives: Tie-down with cover saves $200-400/month vs. hangar
- Insurance shopping: Competitive quotes save $500-1,500/year
- Regional ownership: Some areas have lower storage and labor costs