These days, there is no shortage of aircraft marketed as backwoods utility machines. The short list includes Maule, CubCrafters, Aviat and American Champion. But in the world of working airplanes, Cessna’s long-discontinued 185 is often regarded as one of the most capable.
You don’t have to spend much time around a 185 to understand its reputation as the airborne version of a four-wheel-drive, three-quarter-ton pickup truck, easily able to haul heavy loads into and out of short, unimproved strips. With plenty of power and two front cabin doors, it also works we’ll as a floatplane. And for all of that, plus a healthy offering of aftermarket mods, some owners just like the 185 for fun flying.