What is it about the C180/185
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What is it about the C180/185
Looking at some of the PNG threads, the C180/185 keeps popping up and after looking at the photos I'm of the opinion that the series was the best looking Cessnas made.
Probably IMHO the best looking aircraft series ever.
The aircraft has a presence that few others seem to have
Do others agree, disagree and why.
Probably IMHO the best looking aircraft series ever.
The aircraft has a presence that few others seem to have
Do others agree, disagree and why.
Zeebee
It was a joy to fly, but at the same time there was always reminders that if you let your concentration lapse, or start to take it for granted it would bite hard. It was both a lion and pussycat.
Flown with skill it would take good loads in and out of marginal strips.
It was a joy to fly, but at the same time there was always reminders that if you let your concentration lapse, or start to take it for granted it would bite hard. It was both a lion and pussycat.
Flown with skill it would take good loads in and out of marginal strips.
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Yep, thanks for the inputs.
Having flown both, I fully agree with the sentiments, they fly like a big Cessna single, but there's always the anticipation of the interesting times ahead when you've gotta land them.
I got reasonably OK at parking them but there was still the odd landing that had the fire-tenders on their way out.
However, I was more interested in why they look so good.
I mean, they're the same fuselage as the 182 (early series) but somehow they look light years ahead of any of the Cessna singles.
Even the lovely little 170B never quite had the charisma.
Having flown both, I fully agree with the sentiments, they fly like a big Cessna single, but there's always the anticipation of the interesting times ahead when you've gotta land them.
I got reasonably OK at parking them but there was still the odd landing that had the fire-tenders on their way out.
However, I was more interested in why they look so good.
I mean, they're the same fuselage as the 182 (early series) but somehow they look light years ahead of any of the Cessna singles.
Even the lovely little 170B never quite had the charisma.
ZeeBee,
I just think the proportions are right. They look even better in the air.
I am biased of course.
180 at YBCV the other day.
Probably best to put these up on the More photos site.
I just think the proportions are right. They look even better in the air.
I am biased of course.
180 at YBCV the other day.
Probably best to put these up on the More photos site.
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Because they reward careful handling with superior performance. Plus they put d!ckheads in their place fairly smartly. 
Ohhhh and courtesy of our resident 185 guru! crank up the volume and enjoy!!
Grandpa Aerotart
They are hard enough to fly that when 'mastered' there is a VERY real (and temporary) sense of accomplishment but they don't present impossible hurdles - They reward a skilled touch with fantastic performance and give the odd love bit when you're having an off day - and they will eat a hamfisted moron alive.
They are an aircraft that demands to be loved or left alone - if you don't love the aircraft unquestioningly then walk away and don't bother further or you will end up hating it/afraid of it.
My first job was flying P2-BAF, a 1963 A that had been converted to an F by MAF in the 70s. She was a bit tatty around the edges, had a barrel DG and ground pointer A/H, 1 VHF and a HF and not a lot more. When I saw her the first time at Chimbu the hair stood up on the back of my neck - what a purposeful stance - when I flew her the first time I was love struck - even though my first landing could best be described as mediocre. When I walked away from her that first time and looked back it was almost as if she was smiling at me and thinking to herself "I will teach you to fly and then we will have LOTS of fun adventures together".
And she did - but every once in a while she would give a firm, if playful, slap when she thought I wasn't paying close enough attention
They are an aircraft that demands to be loved or left alone - if you don't love the aircraft unquestioningly then walk away and don't bother further or you will end up hating it/afraid of it.
My first job was flying P2-BAF, a 1963 A that had been converted to an F by MAF in the 70s. She was a bit tatty around the edges, had a barrel DG and ground pointer A/H, 1 VHF and a HF and not a lot more. When I saw her the first time at Chimbu the hair stood up on the back of my neck - what a purposeful stance - when I flew her the first time I was love struck - even though my first landing could best be described as mediocre. When I walked away from her that first time and looked back it was almost as if she was smiling at me and thinking to herself "I will teach you to fly and then we will have LOTS of fun adventures together".
And she did - but every once in a while she would give a firm, if playful, slap when she thought I wasn't paying close enough attention
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After near 20 years spending time at airports, it has only recently that I have 're-discovered the beauty of the tail dragger. Of all the cessna's the 180/185 have been the more commonly familar around Oz, but I have to say that the 195/196 is the best of the dragers, the Radial engine just top's it off.
Tried to post a picture, but I've yet to master the skill.
Sorry.
Tried to post a picture, but I've yet to master the skill.
Sorry.
Have owned a very nice Cessna 180 Sportsman complete with wheel spats, unfortunately it was a 1/48th scale Monogram model.
Man's aeroplane, had a few rides in the C180/185 over the years and a few flies from the right hand seat.
Zeebee that photo is great photo with lot's of history
Man's aeroplane, had a few rides in the C180/185 over the years and a few flies from the right hand seat.
Zeebee that photo is great photo with lot's of history
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but I have to say that the 195/196 is the best of the dragers, the Radial engine just top's it off.
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The 180/185 have got the small wheel on the right end
My first was DFO from memory at Cudal endorsed by one Nigel Johnson followed by 25 years of various 180/185's luvin' every minute but at times pinchin' the buttons off the seat. Wouldn't change a thing
Frothy
My first was DFO from memory at Cudal endorsed by one Nigel Johnson followed by 25 years of various 180/185's luvin' every minute but at times pinchin' the buttons off the seat. Wouldn't change a thing
Frothy
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ZEEBEE, you got to admit you're not being completely honest here. Remember "Silver City Air Taxis"? The 180 (RFD, RFE, RFF) was the first after Auster KBH. Was there any comparison? You got the needle (inoculation) early in life. 
Would you believe that once-upon-a-time, (back in the 60's), DCA, (the grandparent of CASA), had the endorsements for C180 and C185 grouped with C182? True. And many innocent souls received the chastening of their flying career when they were invited to use their extensive 182 experience on a taildragger.
Happened to me on 6th December,1963, when I fronted up to the then Aero Club of Papua at Jacksons, and did some dual with Maurie(?) Butler. Made the towers' day to see VH-KER, (a C180A), heading off into the grass with regularity. Not surprising, as I had 68 hrs TT, and had yet to really appreciate the wonders of rudder. I came back to complete my 'conversion' with Ross Smith, in the same aircraft, in Feb 1964. My next step was a C185, VH-STP, and that wasn't until I had a CPL and 200 hrs in November,1965.
Now, after many years of pleasurable flying both 180's and 185's, and owning a 180, I realise that they are a real challenge, and I look forward to endorsements as a way to pass on some of the skills needed to fly them safely.
happy days,
Happened to me on 6th December,1963, when I fronted up to the then Aero Club of Papua at Jacksons, and did some dual with Maurie(?) Butler. Made the towers' day to see VH-KER, (a C180A), heading off into the grass with regularity. Not surprising, as I had 68 hrs TT, and had yet to really appreciate the wonders of rudder. I came back to complete my 'conversion' with Ross Smith, in the same aircraft, in Feb 1964. My next step was a C185, VH-STP, and that wasn't until I had a CPL and 200 hrs in November,1965.
Now, after many years of pleasurable flying both 180's and 185's, and owning a 180, I realise that they are a real challenge, and I look forward to endorsements as a way to pass on some of the skills needed to fly them safely.
happy days,
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Was hooked on aviation by the Mount Cook Airlines 185s on skis way back in the seventies when living there (Mt Cook). Was about 2 1/2 years old. First flight ever was in a 185 aged about three, still remember to this day!
Have flown both in my career, early model ones are the best, power to weight ratio better as they are made of lighter aluminium.
They perform well, look cool, sound great and teach pilots what to do with their feet!
Would really like to have one of my own.
We need a few more pics of 180s and 185s on this thread.
Have flown both in my career, early model ones are the best, power to weight ratio better as they are made of lighter aluminium.
They perform well, look cool, sound great and teach pilots what to do with their feet!
Would really like to have one of my own.
We need a few more pics of 180s and 185s on this thread.
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First pic taken possibly Moorabbin in late 60's. Presumably Flinders Island Airlines B18 VH-FID parked behind. Certainly FIE later became another B18 and I think was the one restored for the Herald paper runs through country Victoria in mid to late 70's.