How to Convert a Cessna 180

The Cessna 180 takes floats, wheels or skis.

The Cessna 180 is a four- or six-seat single-engine aircraft, depending on the model. Cessna built these aircraft for private ownership and use in commercial charter operations. The FAA issues STCs, or Supplemental Type Certificates, for specific aircraft, that give legal permission to convert and alter the aircraft. The Cessna 180's STCs include those to change out the engine or to equip the aircraft with different landing gear. The FAA has strict rules regarding private owner maintenance on the aircraft. It is mandatory that a licensed aircraft mechanic makes the changes and conversions.

Things You'll Need

• FAA issued STCs
• All maintenance records and aircraft logbooks

Instructions

1. Collect all of your Cessna 180 logbooks, aircraft maintenance records and any ADs (Airworthiness Directives) issued by the FAA. Go to the FAA website and get all current STCs for the Cessna 180 series of aircraft.

2. Arrange to have the engine's exhaust system changed out. STC SA00164BO allows a change from the Cessna 180's original exhaust to the O-470-R system. This system allows more airflow over the engine and improves performance and horsepower output. Schedule a maintenance appointment for the work with your aircraft mechanic. Bring all documents with you for the mechanic to read and go over, and to record the conversion.

3. Change out the landing gear to floats, amphibs or skis, if you desire. This change is allowed under the FAA rules and is approved without STC. Cessna has FAA approval for the change of the 180's landing gear. Add floats if you plan on keeping and flying the 180 exclusively in water environments. Use amphibs, a float that has retractable wheels, if you want tarmac and water ability. If you plan mountain and glacier flying, install retractable skis for the ice and snow landings and take-offs, with the wheels still intact for tarmac take-offs and landings.

4. Convert the panel's steam gauges to the new and modern "glass cockpit" gauges. These are electronic version of the standard six steam-gauge panel. The Cessna 180 series is approved for the upgrades through the FAA's glass cockpit and training rules.

References

• Rocky Mountain Propellers: McCauley Blackmac STC Kit for Cessna 180/182
• ScootAir LLC: Cessna 180 STC SA00164BO
• NTSB: FAA Updated Rules for Glass Cockpits in LSA Aircraft: PDF
• FAA: Transport Category Airplanes: CONSTRUCTING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR "GLASS COCKPIT" TRAINING1: PDF

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish