Cessna 180C
Cessna · United States · first flew 1957 · light aircraft
The Cessna 180C is a 1957 production variant of the Cessna 180 Skywagon, a high-performance tailwheel light aircraft that shared its airframe with the tricycle-gear Cessna 182 but retained conventional undercarriage for better off-field capability. The C model introduced minor refinements over earlier marks.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing taildragger with fixed conventional undercarriage
- Continental O-470 flat-six engine
- No strut-braced spring-steel gear — pure taildragger stance
A high-wing single-engine aircraft distinguished from the 182 by its tailwheel undercarriage; broader and sturdier than the 172, with a noticeably more powerful engine cowling and no nosegear leg.
Specifications
- The Cessna 180C has a length of 7.6 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.92 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 257 km/h (160 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Cessna 180 was introduced in 1953 as a four-seat taildragger more capable than the Cessna 170. Annual improvements led to alphabetically designated variants; the 180C incorporated updated interior trim, revised cowling details, and minor systems improvements. The 180 series proved popular with bush pilots and remained in production until 1981.
Variants
The Cessna 180 was produced through numerous lettered variants from the baseline 180 to the 180K. The 180C corresponds to 1957 production. The closely related Cessna 185 Skywagon added a larger engine.
Where you'll see it
Widely used by private owners, bush operators, and flying clubs worldwide. Particularly favoured in Alaska and the Canadian bush for its taildragger capability and load-carrying ability. Some examples served with military liaison units.
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