Looking at a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) surplus 182R
Hello all, new to the forum and looking for some advice. I recently sold my 172L and now I'm looking to upgrade to a 182.
Civil Air Patrol has a well equipped 182R (1986 Model) for sale. It had a tow kit installed so I'm assuming it saw regular use as a glider towing ship. Anyone with any knowledge of how this could potentially affect the airframe or is this a 'non-issue'?
Any knowledge in general of these old CAP airplanes would be appreciated. They seem to represent a good value in today's market.
Comments
Hi kswanso4,
No specific experience with CAP or glider tow aircraft, but a thorough pre-buy inspection from a neutral party as with ANY aircraft purchase, along with a thorough check of ALL documents, not only logbooks but also bank documents, title, etc., should uncover any deal breakers.
Welcome to the forum, don't be a stranger, we leave the light on and the door unlocked! Post pics of whatever you decide to purchase.
Regards,
Mike
What kind of times are you looking at on the airframe and engine and what's it got for equipment?? Carl
IA 47yr A&P DAL A/C Inspector 172n
6800TT, 1390 SMOH, 200 SPOH. It's all steam gauges with a Garmin GTN 615. The KX-155A radios are only a year old (I'm surprised they opt for those over the Garmin alternative). Original Cessna 300A autopilot
This actually seems like a relatively low time 182 especially for civil Air patrol use. The 470 engine is pretty bulletproof in this configuration and certainly is a good candidate for making tbo. I would be surprised if the CAP was actually doing any kind of towing perhaps you can look in the logs get an idea if they tow gliders or towed banners. If the CAP towed at all. Good inspection of the tail cone area might be in order but it's a pretty stout section of the airplane back there. If The 300A will hold the wing level you are in pretty good shape.! Give it a good look over and make sure the ADs are up to date. The 182 series are very good airframes. Carl
IA 47yr A&P DAL A/C Inspector 172n
From CAP experience (CAP Capt of a Composite Unit) and a CAP pilot…
Civil Air Patrol takes vey good care of their airships, after all, we take your children for orientation flights and ensure our states are able to support SAR (search and rescue) operations and others. Definitely, review the logs, I believe you will find them thorough and complete. Texas Wing CAP followed 50hr oil changes, and 100 annuals, and if it was broke, it was fixed.
Our squadron used our 182T to tow gliders. For two years, one weekend per month, I would tow 45 glider sorties and a few power orientation flights. This year, CAPNHQ Command staff opted to cancel the glider program (bad decision IMHO), and to my knowledge, CAP has never towed banners.
CAP aircraft can suffer other calamities, as do all GA, it will be in the logs. My general comments, if the logs show what I think they will, you will get a good airplane with loads of good enjoyable flying left in her!