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CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN Model Guide

CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN · Model Guide

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Overview

The CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN is a single-engine piston Skywagon on amphibious floats. The library data lists a 310 hp Continental IO-550 with a Hartzell 3-blade propeller, 74 gal of fuel, a 115 kt cruise at 12 gph and about 600 nm of range. Many examples are modified, so verify the installed STCs and the weight paperwork.

  • Library figures: 115 kt cruise, 12 gph, 74 gal fuel, 600 nm range, 1650 lb empty weight, 1550 lb useful load.
  • Library max takeoff weight is 3525 lb. The Flint Aero wing tip tank STC allows 3600 lb takeoff on land and water.
  • The floats add weight and drag. A flight report calls the airplane heavy in pitch, with a floor-mounted trim wheel.
  • Inspect the float nose track and nose bulkhead for looseness or cracks (Wipline Service Letter 136).

Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.

Reference only, not for flight. Use the current approved manual for your aircraft. See terms, section 5.

Document

Source

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Document details

Type
·
Model Guide
Year
·
2026
File size
·
50 KB
Copy found at
·
sprinkle.com

Specifications & performance

Extracted from this document.

Specifications

Range (nm)
·
600
Engine (hp)
·
310
Height (ft)
·
12.5
Length (ft)
·
27.5
Wingspan (ft)
·
38.83
Empty weight (lb)
·
1,650
Fuel capacity (gal)
·
74
Max takeoff weight (lb)
·
3,525

Performance

Range (nm)
·
600
Fuel burn (gph)
·
12
Max speed (kt)
·
130
Cruise speed (kt)
·
115
Landing over 50ft
·
2,000
Takeoff over 50ft
·
2,500
Landing distance (ft)
·
1,200
Takeoff distance (ft)
·
1,500

V-speeds

VA_KTS
·
118
VX_KTS
·
63
VY_KTS
·
74
VFE_KTS
·
93
VNE_KTS
·
182
VNO_KTS
·
146
VS1_KTS
·
60
VSO_KTS
·
51

Weight & balance

Useful load (lb)
·
1,550
Empty weight (lb)
·
1,650
Cg aft limit (in)
·
46
Max ramp weight (lb)
·
3,200
Baggage allowance (lb)
·
270
Max landing weight (lb)
·
3,200
Max takeoff weight (lb)
·
3,525
Cg forward limit (in)
·
36
About this document
What engine does the CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN have?

The CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN library data lists a 310 hp Continental IO-550 with a Hartzell 3-blade propeller. A reviewed owner example was upgraded to an IO-550 with a 3-blade Scimitar prop, so confirm what is installed.

What is the maximum weight of the CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN?

The library data gives 3525 lb max takeoff and 3200 lb max ramp and landing. The Flint Aero wing tip tank STC supplement allows 3600 lb takeoff on land and water, and 3525 lb landing on land. Check the aircraft's own paperwork.

What should I inspect on a CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN with Wipline floats?

On the CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN, check the float nose track for play and the nose bulkhead for flexing or cracks. Wipline Service Letter 136 covers this, and jacking under the keel near the bow is the check it describes.

What is the CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN Model Guide?

The CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN Model Guide is a model guide for the CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN, dated 2026.

What year was the CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN Model Guide published?

The CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN Model Guide — the CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN model guide on file — is dated 2026.

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In this document

Weights and loading

Library data: 1650 lb empty, 1550 lb useful load, 3525 lb max takeoff, 3200 lb max ramp and landing, 270 lb baggage. The Flint Aero STC supplement allows 3600 lb takeoff (land and water) and 3600 lb water landing. Land landing stays at 3525 lb. Use the aircraft's own weight and balance form.

Performance

Library figures: 1500 ft takeoff ground run, 2500 ft over 50 ft, 1200 ft landing, 2000 ft landing over 50 ft, 115 kt cruise, 130 kt max. With the Flint Aero STC, add 12 percent to takeoff runs and 3 percent to landing runs for each 100 lb over the base supplement weight.

Floats and modifications

The 180/185 is among the most-modified aircraft flying. A reviewed example had Aerocet composite amphibious floats, a Robertson STOL kit, an IO-550 and wingtip extensions. Wipline 3000 floats have two hatches, each rated for 50 pounds. Check which STCs are installed and that the paperwork matches.

Safety notes

  • Do not exceed the gross weight authorised by each installed STC. The Flint Aero supplement sets 3600 lb takeoff and 3525 lb landing on land.
  • Wipline Service Letter 136 describes oblong nose track holes that loosen the joint and can crack the nose bulkhead. Compliance is optional, and the work takes about 8-10 hours.
  • With the Flint Aero wing tip tank STC the supplement lists service ceiling as Not Applicable. Do not rely on the library 15000 ft figure for that setup.

Full document text

CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN Model Guide The CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN is a single-engine piston Skywagon on amphibious floats. The library data lists a 310 hp Continental IO-550 with a Hartzell 3-blade propeller, 74 gal of fuel, a 115 kt cruise at 12 gph and about 600 nm of range. Many examples are modified, so verify the installed STCs and the weight paperwork. • Library figures: 115 kt cruise, 12 gph, 74 gal fuel, 600 nm range, 1650 lb empty weight, 1550 lb useful load. • Library max takeoff weight is 3525 lb. The Flint Aero wing tip tank STC allows 3600 lb takeoff on land and water. • The floats add weight and drag. A flight report calls the airplane heavy in pitch, with a floor-mounted trim wheel. • Inspect the float nose track and nose bulkhead for looseness or cracks (Wipline Service Letter 136). Weights and loading Library data: 1650 lb empty, 1550 lb useful load, 3525 lb max takeoff, 3200 lb max ramp and landing, 270 lb baggage. The Flint Aero STC supplement allows 3600 lb takeoff (land and water) and 3600 lb water landing. Land landing stays at 3525 lb. Use the aircraft's own weight and balance form. Performance Library figures: 1500 ft takeoff ground run, 2500 ft over 50 ft, 1200 ft landing, 2000 ft landing over 50 ft, 115 kt cruise, 130 kt max. With the Flint Aero STC, add 12 percent to takeoff runs and 3 percent to landing runs for each 100 lb over the base supplement weight. Floats and modifications The 180/185 is among the most-modified aircraft flying. A reviewed example had Aerocet composite amphibious floats, a Robertson STOL kit, an IO-550 and wingtip extensions. Wipline 3000 floats have two hatches, each rated for 50 pounds. Check which STCs are installed and that the paperwork matches. Safety notes: • Do not exceed the gross weight authorised by each installed STC. The Flint Aero supplement sets 3600 lb takeoff and 3525 lb landing on land. • Wipline Service Letter 136 describes oblong nose track holes that loosen the joint and can crack the nose bulkhead. Compliance is optional, and the work takes about 8-10 hours. • With the Flint Aero wing tip tank STC the supplement lists service ceiling as Not Applicable. Do not rely on the library 15000 ft figure for that setup.

All CESSNA A185F AMPHIBIAN model guide