New Zealand
Cessna 180/185 Group
"THERE ARE SOME THINGS IN LIFE THAT ARE BETTER THAN A CESSNA 180/185 BUT THEY ARE FEW AND HARD TO FIND"
President's Welcome
Welcome to the New Zealand Cessna 180/185 Group web site.
For nearly 70 years the Cessna 180 has graced the New Zealand airways. Its younger sibling, the C185, has flown since 1960. In 1953, they became marketed as the Skywagon and the name stuck!
There is no doubt that the aircraft types have made a significant impact in this country’s flying history. They have served as land planes, float planes and ski planes, top dressers, tourism aircraft, agricultural planes, commercial planes, mail carriers, live-stock carriers, sky-divers as well as private aircraft. Yet these uses only tell a part of the story of these most versatile aircraft. Few would actually know that New Zealand was the first country to approve the multifunctional use of the aircraft for both ski and wheel use. Modifications were sought in the early 1960’s to allow Mt Cook Ski Planes to operate from tarmac to ice and snow operations with adapted wheel/ski upgrades.
Today more modern and specially designed aircraft have released Skywagons from their traditional roles and generally most of those on the NZ register are privately owned. Although production halted in 1985, they are increasing in number in New Zealand as new owners import aircraft from other countries and passionately restore and refurbish them to their former glory.
It is the aim of our Group to provide opportunities for owners and operators to meet regularly and explore the environments that these aircraft were specifically designed to traverse. The stories that we hear over the bar at the end of a day’s flying resonate with past pilots who began this tradition in the early 1950’s. While the faces may have changed over the years, the stories are just as daring, their experiences just as grand and their longing for more adventure, just as keen.
On behalf of the New Zealand Chapter of this international fraternity, I invite you to come and join the magic that is Skywagon.
Nigel Griffith
President
ABOUT US
The Cessna 180/185 Group was initially formed around 1976 when a group of like minded 180/185 owners decided to form a club. The club became affiliated with the American 180/185 club and operated happily for many years.
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There are currently 150 Cessna 180 or 185's in New Zealand give or take. This number fluctuates slightly with many being imported from Australia, the America's, and sometimes Europe. New Zealand has exceptional 180/185 terrain with mountainous landscapes that suit the rugged capabilities.
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The current 180/185 Group reformed with a new structure and regularly meets for shared story telling and social events. If you own a beautiful Cessna 180 or 185 or have been a member in the past and would like to become a current member please click below.
Our Mission Statement
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"Bringing 180/185 pilots together in an enjoyable, safe, social environment, where constant learning and skill development is fostered at all levels of experience. Where airmanship, on the ground and in the air is always a priority"
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