To the uninitiated, the Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 are indistinguishable from each other. Both equally are 4 seat, superior wing planes with struts bracing just about every wing. But for pilots, they are considerably various plane.
The main distinction involving the 172 and 182 are the engines. The two have been manufactured for in excess of 40 yrs and all through that time have come from the manufacturing unit with a wide variety of engines. Given that the 172N was released in 1977, the manufacturing unit conventional motor has developed 160 hp. Prior to that 172 engines ranged from 145 to 160 hp. Quite a few older aircraft have been upgraded in the immediately after sector to much more impressive engines, including a well-liked 180 hp. version. All such modifications are attained through a STC, or supplemental variety certificate issued by the FAA.
Although the 182 has been driven by a several diverse engines, common non-turbo models have constantly weighed in at 230 hp. This difference in horsepower has a number of implications. A person is of course velocity. The 182 is 15-20 knots more rapidly than a 172. It can also climb 200 toes for each moment speedier. Commonly aircraft with bigger engines can raise additional body weight also. A typical late model 172 optimum pounds is 2450 lbs, a 182 3100 lbs. Not all of that distinction is beneficial load, an vacant 182 is all-around 300 lbs. heavier than its smaller cousin.
Not all of the variances in between the 172 and 182 are as straightforward to quantify as requirements and effectiveness numbers. Getting heavier, the 182 is a extra stable aircraft than a 172. It would not bounce about quite so significantly, and tends to observe greater in the way you want it to go. This is a good feature if you intend to do much instrument traveling. (Traveling in the clouds or devoid of visible reference to the ground.)
With over 200 horsepower and a controllable pitch propeller, the 182 is also regarded as a higher performance plane. What this signifies is that further instruction is needed to be able to fly it, both of those by regulation and prerequisites of insurance coverage businesses.
As considerably as cost goes, a usual selling price for a used 1978 172 would be in the minimal $40,000’s, while a equally outfitted 182 would be at the very least $20,000 far more. A 182 will be more high-priced to possess too. Insurance policy, inspections, engine overhauls and operating charges will all be much more. For case in point, a 182 will consume about 3 gallons per hour additional fuel.
None of these points would make a person plane far better than the other. What distinguishes a aircraft is how you intend to use it. If you want a simple airplane that’s comparatively inexpensive to function, that calls for a 172. If you want to use your plane for transportation and intend to go into temperature, a 182 would far better go well with your intent.
Finally, as for distinguishing one aircraft from a different, the giveaway is the nose. A 182 has a fuller cowling section to deal with the larger engine and a more streamlined windscreen.