It wasn’t that long ago the straight tail 182 was a bit of a sleeper, and early 180’s were starting their inexorable rise in value.

Now straight tail 182’s are rising briskly and early 180’s are coming back to Earth value wise. Of course individual specimens have had various levels of TLC which explains differences in value, but is it me, or straight tail 182’s are now crossing over value wise against the iconic 180?

Is this due to a seismic shift in insurance availability/premiums? Or the next generation are Skylane buyers, not ‘wagons?

I haven't looked at the market for the old straight tailed 182s - but I always thought they represented good value - so maybe the market is finally just catching up and pricing them appropriately. The 180/185 market is really hard to evaluate since there is so little decent inventory available. The insurance issue you mention is a real concern - especially for older pilots and underwriters being less willing to insure pilots over 75 despite the experience. I love flying tailwheels but it has come at an expense in insurance costs and the reality is that a C182 new or old would work for all of my flying missions. Not sure how many firewalls get repaired banging 182 nose wheels in the backcountry - so maybe the expense is a wash in the end.


Josh