The SkyHoppers Cessna 180 'Skywagon'

SkyHoppers provides flight training excursions in an American registered, FAA certified Cessna 180 single-engine airplane. The Cessna 180 is a four-seat, conventional gear (tailwheel) general aviation airplane which was produced between 1953 and 1981 by the Cessna Aircraft Company of Wichita Kansas. Cessna introduced the model 180 as a heavier and more powerful complement to the Cessna 170 (Cessna's first 4-seat tailwheel airplane), and it eventually came to be known as the 'Skywagon.' Today, the Skywagon is considered the quintessential American bush plane, and of the total 6193 aircraft manufactured over a 28 year period, 3084 are still registered with the FAA. While the Skywagon is no longer in production, Cessna still provides parts and support for the aircraft, allowing the existing aircraft to remain in service, primarily in utility roles such as bush flying into remote areas throughout the world.

SkyHoppers acquired N180KR (originally N2983K), a 1980 Cessna 180 Skywagon II after 3 long years of searching for a suitable aircraft to offer flight training excursions in the Caribbean. N180KR was produced as a seaplane at the factory and has corrosion-proofing throughout the heavy-duty airframe and long range 88 gallon fuel bladders. As such it is well-equipped to endure the tropical environment, long hauls over open water, and the rigors of flight training excursions. It is also equipped with the super-reliable high compression Continental O-470-U engine having 230 horsepower with an 82-inch constant-speed McCauley propeller to provide confidence while operating over the water and in mountains, and perform in the high density-altitude conditions of the Caribbean.

Since acquiring our Skywagon in 2008, we have upgraded the plane with a host of other quality features, all of which are properly documented with the FAA. These features include: