Been beating around looking at a few C-180s lately. but am having trouble finding any for sale around oz anyways. i know there are a lot around. Does any one know of any that might be sitting in the back of hangars not going any where for a while and needs some TLC? and also would be interested to sell of course? any model would be fine.
There's a 185 for sale at maryborough QLD, I used to share the hangar with it, looked nice enough, ring the aero club they should have the owners contact Met
There is a 185 in the government flying unit's hangar in Port Moresby that is owned by an ex CAA inspector. Last time I heard it was in need of a major overhaul however it is complete, not to sure if it's up for sale.
Maybe someone else on these pages might know more details if you are interested.
The Moresby 185 is P2 MFX, an ex MAF machine owned by Mack Lee in the 90s. It is a nice one to fly I took it to Kerama and back once. But very rough interior. Mack ground looped it in the mid 90s and I once saw it in numberous pieces and the back of a hanger in Cairns as the entire front of the fuselage and landing gear area was rebuilt. In about 97 recieved a very average paint job, shortly after that Mack was killed and I suspect MFX has not flown since. How much corrosion has occured since who knows but in any event it would be a substantial project needing overhaul of engine and airframe, new interior and most avionics, and new paint. Having done one not a cheap exercise or one for the faint hearted but a good option if you are after a good Aircraft to keep for an extended period. The present value would be minimal if you work it back.
It is S/n 2146 which makes it a 1973 F-Model, the last of the 185's the MAF put into operations. Most of the MAF pilots I have spoken to ref P2-MFU restoration all preferred to fly the E series or earlier one's.
Please excuse the thread drift but on the subject of Cessna 180s, a bit of a history ask. Does anyone know the rego of the Cessna 180 that had a groundloop while taxying at Inverell, NSW, back on January 15, 1965. Yep, a long time back but someone might recall the event and more particularly the rego. In relation to a history write-up on another C180.
Fris Have a look at www.skywagon.info. I put a lot of early occurrences in table Form on our site. If not, I can have a look at some of my other database records. 185
In 1972 I flew a C182, (VH RFK), out of Orange circa Hazleton's.
The aircraft had a distinct odour having been converted from taildragger ag work into nosewheel. It stands to reason that there is an AD somewhere to turn it back into a taildragger.
Just a suggestion, but if so, there are a few good C180 and 180A models around with straight tails that would save lots on rebuilds to achieve the same thing. I've seen this done with straight tail turtleback 150's and they are a pretty conversion. Even saw one with a 150HP engine. I think that bloke used it for mustering.
The swept tail tailwheel conversions don't cut the mustard in my view.
"Yes, there comes a time when an aircraft is so far past rehabilitation that even an aviation museum rejects it and .... recycling into pots, pans and beer cans is the logical or only option."
Sorry Sir!
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