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By Carmelo Turdo |
The Aero Experience celebrates Midwest Aviation with our "CFI on the Fly" series to honor the unsung heroes of the aviation industry - the Certified Flight Instructors training the next generation of pilots at flight schools large and small across the region. CFIs are in high demand, and new instructors are gaining flight hours at a rate that guarantees their rapid progression to the corporate, charter or airline crew positions to which many aspire. Rather than generalize about the CFI/CFII/MEI roles, we will start from the individual and find out what makes a great CFI through their particular contribution.

This flight will showcase a new member of the Gateway Flight Training fleet - an attractive and nicely equipped Cessna 182Q Skylane high-performance aircraft, IFR trainer and cross-country cruiser. The Skylane offers versatility and economy, with a roomy interior and the performance of a true four-seater.

The Cessna 182 fits well in the Gateway Flight Training fleet lineup, offering students and renters a logical progression from the Beechcraft Sundowner and Piper Cherokee to the multi-engine Cessna 310:
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Beechcraft C23 Sundowner |
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Piper PA-28-161 Warrior II |
The high-performance category Cessna 182 strikes a balance between primary training aircraft and complex, utility or multi-engine types. It is noticeably roomier than a Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Cherokee, enabling easier access to all four seats, plenty of head and leg room and a large cargo space. The 230hp Lycoming engine and three-bladed McCauley variable-pitch propeller provide a cruise speed of 140kts, fuel burn of 12-14 gallons/hour depending on the altitude and a 1,000lb. useful load. The Cessna 182 also offers excellent short-field performance, with 20 degrees of flaps on takeoff and 30-40 degrees of flaps on landing.
"The plane itself is going to be notably bigger than previous Cessnas that people have flown - 152, 172," McLoughlin told The Aero Experience. "The 182 is an excellent step up if you have previously flown Cessnas. But it's not too big to where you're jumping from let's say a 180 horsepower engine to all of a sudden, a 300, 400 horsepower engine. So, a really great aircraft for transition."
This Cessna 182Q includes some panel and system upgrades, including Navomatic autopilot, Shadin fuel totalizer, Garmin GNS 430 WAAS/GPS Nav/Com display and LED strobes among others. It is IFR certified and an ideal aircraft for building flight time on multi-leg cross-country flights, honing instrument flight skills and demonstrating to friends and family that general aviation is a fun and safe way to travel.
"This plane is an excellent rental aircraft," McLoughlin continued. "It's also a more effective, fun way to bring family and friends on those cross-countries with you. Show what you've learned, what you know. Get yourself some more experience with different types of aircraft and just to have some fun in GA again."
Our visit to Gateway Flight Training, and our flight with CFII Ann McLoughlin, are featured in the following video:
The Aero Experience thanks Ann McLoughlin for devoting her time to this story. We also thank Gateway Flight Training for providing our flight and for their support as one of our great sponsors.