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WingmanAeroCare

The Skyhawk and Skylane.
Aged fleet, disciplined work.

The 172 and 182 platforms are among the most produced piston singles in history, and most of the active fleet is now more than three decades old. Maintaining them well is less about special tools and more about knowing where age actually shows up, and being honest about it.

Continental O-300, Lycoming O-320 / O-360 / IO-360, Continental O-470, Lycoming IO-540

The 172's Continental O-300 (1956-67 models), Lycoming O-320 (1968 on), and Lycoming IO-360 (172R/S), plus the O-360 in the 172RG and many STC conversions; the earlier 182's Continental O-470; and the later 182's Lycoming O-540 / IO-540 are forgiving engines when treated well. We focus on cylinder condition through borescope trending, magneto health on an interval rather than on failure, and proper cooling flow through the upper engine compartment, especially on 182s operated at density altitude.

From Round Gauge to Glass

The 172 and 182 fleet covers the entire modern avionics history: steam gauges, KX-155 radios, Aspen PFDs, G5 installations, G500 TXi conversions, and factory G1000 NXi in newer airframes. We support the full range and help owners make realistic upgrade decisions based on airframe value, not just wish-list features.

Cessna 172/182 AD & SID Tracking

The aging Cessna fleet carries meaningful AD and Supplemental Inspection Document (SID) exposure. The SID program in particular is where undiscovered corrosion and fatigue cracking get surfaced on older airframes.

Aging-fleet inspection rhythm.

The 172 and 182 fleet has been in service long enough that "annual inspection" and "structural aging inspection" are now the same conversation. We review Cessna's SID program at each annual rather than treating it as a separate event.

  • SID inspections reviewed at each annual. Items that have come due go on your estimate so you decide; SIDs are required for some commercial operators and optional for most Part 91 owners.
  • Exhaust system borescope and pressure test on 182 muffler assemblies. CO intrusion is an ongoing 182 safety concern.
  • Wing strut attachment inspection: fork condition, corrosion, and bolt torque integrity on 172 airframes.
  • Fuel cap seal condition and fuel vent system inspection. Water ingress is a frequent 172/182 annual finding.
  • Control cable condition at pulley brackets and bulkhead penetrations, a high-wear area on the airframe family.
  • Panel-behind inspection for aftermarket wiring quality. Older Cessnas carry decades of owner-installed modifications, not all of them well done.

Your aircraft deserves
an accountable wingman.

Call or send your tail number. We answer within one business day.