This 1981 Cessna 180K Skywagon Is a Heavy-Duty, Multi-Mission ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1981 Cessna 180K Skywagon.

While the 182 Skylane became the darling of the paved-runway, cross-country set, the Skywagon was built for the rugged fringes of the map. By the time production reached the 1981 model year—represented by this K model—Cessna had refined the airframe into its most capable and desirable form.

Finding a late-model Skywagon is a rare feat, as production ended just a few years later. Located in La Grande, Oregon, this airframe shows 3,162 hours since new. It represents the pinnacle of the 180’s evolution, maintained with a level of care that suggests its life has been spent in a hangar rather than out in the elements.

The defining feature of this particular Skywagon is the P. Ponk Continental O-470-50 engine conversion. While the standard 180 is no slouch, the P. Ponk modification turns the aircraft into a short-field powerhouse, providing a significant boost in performance that is felt immediately on takeoff. With only 397 hours since a zero-time factory rebuild, the engine offers the reliability and grunt needed for high-density altitude operations.

To handle the transition from smooth tarmac to rugged riverbeds, the aircraft is equipped with a comprehensive beef-up kit. This includes P. Ponk 185 steel gear legs, 8.5-by-10 Air Trac Tundra tires on 10-inch wheels, and a 10-inch locking tailwheel. These modifications, combined with a 3,190-pound gross weight thanks to a Kenmore Air Harbor STC, allow the pilot to carry a massive 1,302-pound useful load into strips that would turn lesser aircraft away.

Inside, the Skywagon remains focused on mission flexibility. The cabin is outfitted with BAS retractable shoulder harnesses and extended baggage for those long hunting or camping trips. For those who prefer the water, the aircraft features a factory-integrated seaplane kit, making it a step away from becoming a high-performance floatplane.

The panel is a functional and reliable setup designed for the working pilot. It features a JPI EDM-830 engine monitor for precise powerplant management, Bendix/King KMD150 GPS/MFD for situational awareness, and full ADS-B compliance. It is a cockpit that respects the heritage of the airframe while providing the digital tools necessary for modern navigation.

Listed at $264,900, this 180K is for the pilot who wants the best. It is a rugged, high-utility alternative to modern tricycle-gear aircraft, offering a classic taildragger experience that excels where the pavement ends.

If you are exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.