New Zealand
Cessna 180/185 Group
"THERE ARE SOME THINGS IN LIFE THAT ARE BETTER THAN A CESSNA 180/185 BUT THEY ARE FEW AND HARD TO FIND"
ABOUT US
The Cessna 180/185 Group was initially formed around 1976 when a group of like minded 180/185 owners decided to form a club. The club became affiliated with the American 180/185 club and operated happily for many years.
There are currently 150 Cessna 180 or 185's in New Zealand give or take. This number fluctuates slightly with many being imported from Australia, the America's, and sometimes Europe. New Zealand has exceptional 180/185 terrain with mountainous landscapes that suit the rugged capabilities.
The current 180/185 Group reformed with a new structure and regularly meets for shared story telling and social events. If you own a beautiful Cessna 180 or 185 or have been a member in the past and would like to become a current member please click below.
ABOUT OUR AIRCRAFT
The Cessna 180 first took flight in May 1952 with production the following year with a 225hp O-470 which was subsequently upgraded to a 230hp for all later models. In 1961 the Cessna 185 was introduced with a 260hp fuel injected IO-470, later upgraded to a 300hp IO-520. Many 470 variants were replaced with the more powerful 520 when they reached calendar time. Approximately 6000 and 4000 180/185's were built respectively.
Marketed as a business going Skywagon that had the speed and power to carry 6 people, it was more often used as a backcountry power house with the ability to be used on wheels, floats, and skis, thus also making it a formidable commercial operator which it still is to this day.
In New Zealand, Cessna 180 and 185's are used from commercial ops and people haulers, to private backcountry machines, capable of getting into and out of short, rough strips. All capable because of the rugged suspension, Fowler flaps, and high prop clearance. These traits gave it some unique idiosyncrasies, being a high power, tail wheel aircraft capable of a 140kt+ cruise and a sub 55kt stall.
Today, New Zealanders love there 180 and 185's, and often, once owned, they stay in families for a long time and hence are seldom on the market (this may be the reason for many still being imported). If you are interested in becoming part of the group, reach out for advice on what's available and who can offer training in these beautiful machines.
CONTACT US
Group President
Mark Sullivan
Tel: 027 475 9946