1974 CESSNA 185F Single Engine Piston for sale

Description

974 Cessna A185F - Aerocet Floats - GTN 750, JPI - Proven Alaska Aircraft Well-equipped and proven Cessna A185F configured for Alaska operations. This aircraft has been actively used for remote cabin access and hunting trips north of Fairbanks and is a capable, reliable hauler with excellent float performance and modern avionics. This is a strong working airplane with the right equipment for real-world use in Alaska. Airframe 1974 Cessna A185F Serial Number: 185-02188 Total Time: ~8,0XX hours Engine Continental IO-520 ~900 SMOH ~300 SPOH Avionics (Major Upgrade) Garmin GTN 750 (WAAS GPS/Nav/Comm) Garmin GTR 225 Comm JPI EDM Engine Monitor Updated panel Equipment / Modifications Aerocet straight floats (with gear legs) Sportsman STOL kit Vortex generators Atlee Dodge rear jump seats Interior / Exterior Selkirk interior (2020) - clean and functional Alaska interior Exterior ~6/10 (typical wear for working aircraft) Operational History Used for: Float flying in Alaska Remote cabin access Hunting trips with passengers and gear Proven and capable Alaska airplane. Disclosure Aircraft has prior damage history. During installation of wheel gear, a mechanic noted a prior landing gear box repair utilized non-standard rivet sizing. The aircraft was inspected, replaced, and signed off as airworthy and has primarily been operated on floats. Price: $259,000 Located in Anchorage, Alaska Serious inquiries only. Logs available upon request. Avionics / Equipment Well-equipped panel with modern Garmin avionics and engine monitoring, representing a significant upgrade over typical legacy 185 configurations. Garmin GTN 750 WAAS GPS/Nav/Comm provides full IFR-capable navigation with a large touchscreen interface, integrated flight planning, terrain awareness, and excellent usability. This is a major upgrade and a highly desirable feature for both VFR and IFR operations. Garmin GTR 225 Comm radio provides a reliable secondary communication system with modern clarity and functionality. JPI EDM engine monitor system provides comprehensive engine data including cylinder head temperatures (CHTs), exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs), fuel flow, and other critical parameters. This allows for improved engine management, early detection of potential issues, and more efficient operation. Updated panel layout provides improved ergonomics and usability compared to original configurations. The panel is clean, functional, and well-suited for real-world flying. Aircraft also includes standard flight instrumentation appropriate for VFR and light IFR operations. The avionics suite is practical, proven, and aligned with the aircraft's mission. Overall, the avionics package adds significant value and makes this aircraft stand out from many other Cessna 185s on the market, particularly those with older or minimally upgraded panels. Airframe 1974 Cessna A185F, S/N 185-02188, ~8,0XX total time. Alaska-based aircraft with a long history of use for float operations, remote cabin access, and hunting trips. This is a proven working airplane configured for real-world backcountry use. Airframe is equipped with Aerocet straight floats, Sportsman STOL kit, and vortex generators, providing strong short-field and load-carrying performance. Atlee Dodge rear jump seats installed for additional passenger and gear flexibility. Aircraft has prior damage history with documented repair. During installation of wheel gear, a mechanic noted prior landing gear box repair utilized non-standard rivet sizing; aircraft was inspected, gearbox was replaced, and signed off as airworthy and has primarily been operated on floats. Solid, capable Alaska 185 with known history. Engines / Mods / Prop Continental IO-520 engine with approximately 900 hours since major overhaul (SMOH). Engine has been actively operated and maintained in Alaska conditions, primarily in floatplane operations. Propeller approximately 300 hours since overhaul (SPOH). Comes with 86" Hartzell Voyager and 80" McCauley. Engine performance has been consistent and reliable in typical mission profiles, including multi-passenger hauling and gear transport to remote locations. Aircraft is equipped with several desirable performance and utility modifications, including a Sportsman STOL kit and vortex generators, which improve low-speed handling, takeoff performance, and overall controllability-especially valuable for float operations and short or unimproved landing areas. Aerocet straight floats provide a durable and proven float platform, well-suited for Alaska operations. The aircraft has been used primarily in float configuration. No known current engine issues. Engine monitoring is supported by a JPI EDM system (see avionics section), allowing for detailed tracking of engine health and performance. This provides additional confidence and operational awareness compared to stock instrumentation. Overall, this is a strong-running IO-520 in a configuration that balances performance, reliability, and maintainability for backcountry and float use. Interior / Exterior Interior upgraded with Selkirk Aviation interior (2020), providing a clean, durable, and functional cabin well-suited for Alaska operations. Interior condition is approximately 8/10 and presents well, with materials and layout designed for both comfort and utility. Atlee Dodge rear jump seats provide additional flexibility for carrying passengers or gear, depending on mission needs. Cabin layout supports hauling gear, hunting equipment, and passengers efficiently, consistent with the aircraft's use for remote access and backcountry operations. Exterior condition approximately 6/10. Paint shows typical wear consistent with an actively used Alaska aircraft but remains presentable. This is not a showplane, but a well-maintained working airplane with honest cosmetics. Aircraft presents as a clean, capable, and purpose-built Alaska 185 with a good balance between functionality and appearance. Remarks This is a well-equipped and proven Cessna A185F that has been actively used for real-world Alaska missions including float flying, remote cabin access, and hunting trips. It is a capable and reliable aircraft that performs well in the environments it was designed for. The combination of Aerocet floats, STOL kit, vortex generators, and Atlee Dodge seating makes this a highly versatile platform for hauling people and gear into remote locations. The aircraft has demonstrated strong performance in these roles. The avionics package, including the Garmin GTN 750 and JPI engine monitor, represents a meaningful upgrade and adds both functionality and value compared to many legacy 185s. The panel is clean and usable, and the engine monitoring provides excellent operational awareness. This aircraft has prior damage history, and a previous landing gear box repair was noted by a mechanic during wheel gear installation. The aircraft was inspected, gearbox replaced, and signed off as airworthy and has primarily been operated on floats. This airplane is best suited for a buyer looking for a capable, well-equipped Alaska aircraft with a proven track record rather than a showplane. It represents a strong opportunity to acquire a functional and upgraded 185 that is ready to continue working. Located in Anchorage, Alaska. Logs available for serious buyers.