Cessna 180
The Cessna 180 is a rugged, tailwheel-equipped piston single built for hauling heavy loads into short, rough backcountry airstrips, a role that made it a favourite among bush pilots in Alaska, Canada, and Africa. Its taildragger undercarriage and powerful engine give it noticeably better short-field and rough-field performance than the more common tricycle-gear Cessna 172 and 182. Float and ski conversions extended its usefulness to lakes and snow-covered terrain with no runway at all. Well-maintained examples remain highly sought after today, often commanding prices well above their original cost.

Did you know?
The tailwheel-equipped Cessna 180 gives noticeably better short-field and rough-field performance than the tricycle-gear 172 and 182.
Specifications
| Length | 7.9 m (26 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Height | 2.3 m (8 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 3 |
| Persons on board | 5 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 1.2 t |
| Range | 630 NM (1,167 km) |
| Maximum speed | 148 kt (274 km/h) |
| Stall speed | 48 kt (89 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 19,600 ft (5,974 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,100 ft/min (5.6 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 370 m (1,214 ft) |
| Landing distance | 420 m (1,378 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 300 l |
| Engines | 1x Continental O-470 |
| Units built | 6,193 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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