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Old 10th Jul 2012, 00:41
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Pilot DAR
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Join Date: Aug 2006
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Well, using the early 180 and 182 as a comparison: They both have near identical airframes and equipment, other than the nosewheel and its structural provisions. Most 180's of the 1955 to 1959 vintage seem to have empty weights ranging from 1525 to 1555 pounds. The 1957/58 182 has a stated empty weight of 1621 pounds, so 80 to 100 pounds difference would be my guess.

This seems a heavier difference than I would have expected, but I'm sure 50 pounds difference at least, and 5 to 10 MPH lesser cruise speed for the 182 all other things being equal.

I have seen several broken nosewheels, and dragged propellers in 182's. (guilty of a dragged 182 prop myself ) I have never seen a broken tailwheel in a 180/185, and only a damaged prop when it was nosed over.

But Cessna still makes the 172, and 182. I bet they'll never make the 180 or 185 again - their lawyers probably won't let them!
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