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Cessna 185 Skywagon

Few single-engine piston airplanes can comfortably haul four adults in and out of rough, 1,200-foot airstrips. And if you tack on a desire for IFR avionics, FAA certification, and a tailwheel, nothing fits the bill like a Cessna 185 Skywagon.

This brawny backcountry workhorse is the culmination of the lessons Cessna learned during decades of building tailwheel utility airplanes, including the 170 (1948 to 1956), 180 (1953 to 1981), and 185 (1961 to 1985). Each has a distinct personality—especially the Skywagon.

If the Skywagon were an automobile, it would be a Ford pickup. If it were a dog, it would be a Labrador retriever. If it were a football player, it would be a front rower. If it were a character on a TV western, it would be Hoss. You get it.

The Herculean airplane’s useful load can almost match its empty weight. Its range (with optional long-range fuel tanks and lean-of-peak engine management) easily tops 800 nm. Using oversized wheels, floats, or skis, it can operate from almost any surface. Cessna 185 owners tend to regard their airplanes as loyal and trusted partners.

That is to say IFR and VFR, short and long distances, low and high elevations, and to and from busy city airports and remote backcountry strips (often with a dog in the back, and brother George, an aerial photographer, dangling out an open door).

 

Engine: One 300-hp Continental IO-550 Engine
Weight: Empty 605 kg., Max Takeoff 1520 kg.
Wing Span: 10.92 m.
Length: 7.85m.
Height: 2.36m.
Maximum Speed: 178 mph
Range: 720 miles
 

 

RENOWNED SKYWAGON PERFORMANCE

The Cessna 185 can take you anywhere. Often seen in Alaska hauling firewood. It's the true ute of the Skys. 

SHORT TAKE OFF AND LANDING

Takeoff and land in less the 300m means this beast can land just about anywhere. Helicopter lading distance, aeroplane speed.

PAYLOAD KING

The Cessna 185 can lift its own weight in payload. This makes it capable of some truly amazing things.

GALLERY

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DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!

“Dream come true! Went out in the Mustang with super-pilot Cam and had the time of my life! Heaps of fantastic aeros and awesome views of Brisbane and Moreton Bay. It was an awesome experience being inverted in a barrel roll and a loop. This is truly a bucket list experience that I have just put a massive tick beside! Thanks so much to Brad, Cam and Bec at Fighter Pilot adventure flights!”

- Graham Gill

Click here to read what our passengers say on Trip Advisor 

The above link will open the Fighter Pilot Adventure Flight Trip Advisor page in a new window.

- Trip Advisor Reviews

“What an awesome experience in the back seat of Steadfast. Super helpful and friendly team and the flying experience was entirely out of this world. How many people can say they have flown in a formation with and tail chased a Mustang while flying in a World Record holding Yakovlev. Simply beyond words! Real bucket list stuff!”

- Daniel Drake
This was my second flight with the team at Fighter Pilot. Last time I flew on the L39 and this time I chose the Mustang.
My hubby decided to come along and try the L39. We upgraded to the Platinum and am so glad I did, the team flew us in formation all the way to the Gold Coast. Being so close to each other in the air was amazing.
The aerobatics on the Mustang was a treat, I was surprised as to how smooth it was.
Our Pilots Steve and Cameron were so accommodating and really went above and beyond for us. I can't thank them enough for such an incredible experience.
These flights are super addictive and will start saving up to do this again
- Dannii49 - Trip Advisor

“Really great flight in the Yak 52 – all of the staff were really friendly and helpful. I recommend this to anybody looking for some great fun.”

- Jack Van Veldhuizen
Example for other tourism companies in Australia - Their passion is contagious.
I have an 18 year old that is interested in a flying career - he has had a lesson or two and I hoped that this experience would help him make more informed decisions about what direction he would aim for. Career advice is not exactly what this company does – however Steve and his team took extra time and effort to explain various aspects to us and answered all our questions concisely and patiently. The reason became obvious – these people are absolutely passionate about flying and it is contagious. Friendly, patient and professional. Also they explained the risks and how it will be managed throughly - Other Australian tourism focused companies should send their staff to come observe how it is done.
- Jan M - Trip Advisor

“What a blast – another adventure off my bucket list. My father was a WWII Spitfire fighter pilot and was awarded a DFC & Legion of Honour for his role in D Day. He has now passed and I have always wanted to experience a flight in a WWII fighter. My first wish was a Spitfire and if not available a P-51 Mustang. Finding a two-seater fighter is not easy but Fighter Pilot solved the problem. Thanks to Cameron and his P-51D I was able to experience the thrills, power and adrenalin of a flight in a Mustang. This was the ultimate flight and a dream come true. Thanks to Rebecca, Cameron & Fighter Pilot team for the experience. The DVD was a bonus to maintain the memory.”

- John Cowpe

“The Fighter Pilot experience really is unreal! I never thought I’d get the chance to barrel roll through the sky in a L-39 and feel those G’s. I would recommend this to anyone, especially if you have a Top-Gun fan in your life! It’s the perfect gift that will change their life. Thank you so much Fighter Pilot – I will certainly be back for more!”

- Kelly Forbes
So good!
Not only was the flight definitely worth the cost and all I could have asked for, but the opportunity to see some of the vintage aircraft up close was incredible. The friendly people added to this experience as it was great to chat and see so many people passionate about the same thing, great community!
I felt safe the entire time and once again the professionalism and knowledge of everyone there was amazing. Will definitely be doing this again at some point and I’d like to thank everyone there, particularly Cam for being great pilot and good bloke! Also would like to mention Peter as he took some photos for us and was interesting to talk to.
- Lewis P - Trip Advisor
Definitely one the best experiences I have ever had (and I've had a few) Steve and Paul are professional, friendly and just great blokes.
Steve took me up in the L39 albatross (which was immaculate) Steve made me feel safe and comfortable through the whole experience, keeping me constantly updated and aware of what was coming up... Top gun stuff!!
From the pre flight brief, through the flight, to the post flight brief, all world class!
I haven't been able to wipe the smile of my face, and tell everyone I know
- Richard A - Trip Advisor
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