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This aircraft has closed. We're sharing it because the financing profile is relevant to anyone considering a similar purchase.
Make / Model
C-182T TC
Cessna Skylane
Engine
Lycoming IO-540
235 hp, turbocharged
Cruise Speed
~156 ktas
At altitude
Rate at Closing
6.59%
Certified piston
About the Cessna 182T Skylane
The Cessna 182 Skylane re-entered production in 1997 after a decade-long hiatus. The modern "T" model (182T) features a fuel-injected Lycoming powerplant, replacing the legacy Continental engines. However, the specific aircraft featured here is the T182T Turbo Skylane. The "T" prefix indicates the addition of a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 engine, which allows the aircraft to maintain its 235 horsepower and climb rate at higher density altitudes where naturally aspirated engines lose breath.
Because the T182T produces 235 horsepower, any pilot acting as PIC must hold an FAA high-performance endorsement. However, because it utilizes a fixed-gear configuration, a complex endorsement is not required. This combination of fixed-gear simplicity and turbocharged, high-altitude performance makes it an incredibly popular step-up aircraft for instrument-rated pilots.
On the market, 2002-era 182T values typically fall between $150,000 and $240,000 depending on total time, engine time, and avionics. The aircraft is well-understood by lenders, the fleet is large, and maintenance support is widely available.
How We Financed This Aircraft
This transaction closed at 6.59% under a certified piston loan structure. Loan amounts for 182T transactions typically range from $80,000 to $200,000, with standard terms of 15–20 years. Down payments in the 15–20% range are most common at this price point.
The 182T is a lender-friendly aircraft. Appraisal values are well-documented, title searches for Cessna singles tend to be clean, and maintenance records are typically well-organized. Avionics configuration affects appraised value — a G1000-equipped aircraft appraises higher than one with legacy instruments, which matters for the loan-to-value calculation. See our live rates page for current certified piston rates.
The 182T is straightforward to finance — the lender pool is familiar with it, the secondary market is deep, and the process is predictable.
What to Expect in the Process
A Cessna 182T financing transaction follows the same core steps as any certified piston loan:
- Pre-qualification: Confirm your credit and income profile before submitting offers. At the 182T price point, qualification thresholds are lower than larger certified aircraft.
- Aircraft documentation: N-number, total airframe time, engine time, and avionics configuration submitted to lenders.
- Pre-purchase inspection: Required. For a 2002 aircraft, lenders pay attention to corrosion checks, control surface condition, and IFR currency.
- Insurance: Among the most straightforward in general aviation — underwriters know the aircraft well.
- Closing: Most 182T transactions close within 10–14 days of a complete application.
See our full loan process overview for step-by-step detail.
Questions Buyers Ask About 182 Financing
Can I finance a 2002-era Cessna 182? +
Yes. Most aviation lenders are comfortable financing post-1997 Cessna 182 aircraft. The 2002 vintage is well within the range lenders accept. Engine time and overall condition are what lenders examine most closely.
What down payment does a 182T typically require? +
At the $150,000–$220,000 price range typical for a 2002 182T, expect 15–20% down — roughly $22,500–$44,000 depending on purchase price. Borrowers with strong profiles may qualify at the lower end.
Does the T182T require a high-performance endorsement? +
Yes. Because the Lycoming TIO-540 engine produces 235 horsepower, it exceeds the FAA's 200-horsepower threshold under FAR 61.31, requiring a high-performance endorsement. However, it does not require a complex endorsement since it has fixed landing gear.
Does avionics configuration affect the loan? +
Avionics affect appraised value, which affects the loan amount. A G1000-equipped 182T appraises higher than one with legacy instruments. The lender funds based on appraised value, not asking price — so avionics matter for the loan-to-value calculation even though they don't change your interest rate.
What is the current certified piston rate? +
See our
live rates page for current figures. Your actual rate depends on credit score, loan term, and loan-to-value ratio.
How does financing a used 182T compare to buying new? +
Used aircraft financing adds a title search and pre-purchase inspection that new aircraft transactions don't require. Those steps typically add 3–7 days but protect both buyer and lender. The financial qualification process is otherwise the same.
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