Ever wondered what it was like to fly in the 1950s? Well, AOPA is bringing a piece of history back to life with the 2025 Sweepstakes Cessna 182A ! The first ever AOPA Pilot magazine debuted in March of 1958. The cover featured a (modern,at the time) Cessna 182A. At this time, a brand new 182 could be bought for $14,350 and the Skylane could be purchased for $17,095. After a long search AOPA located and restored one that looks just like the 182 featured on the magazine, all the way up to the tail number being close to the registration. The airplane has made its way across the country a few times now for some much-needed TLC. Soon, the sweepstakes airplane will make its way to Arizona by no other than our very own Senior Flying Club Manager, Cade Halle, to be showcased at the AOPA Fly-In at Buckeye Air Fair from February 14th to 16th. The flying clubs team would love to see you there.
The Flying Clubs initiative will be presenting Maximum Fun, Minimum Cost: The wonderful World of Flying Clubs at 3:00PM on Friday, February 14th. There will also be a special town hall meeting with the new AOPA president, Darren Pleasance, on Saturday, February 15.
This 182A has been restored and looks just as it did when it rolled off the production line…with a few modern tweaks of course. It will feature a paint scheme to match the Skylane on the cover of our magazine, all tan interior, a brand-new engine, and former Cessna and AOPA logos throughout. The sweepstakes airplane will also have a huge suite of Garmin avionics to include…
Three GI 275s to replace the horizontal situation indicator, attitude indicator, and engine monitor.
GTN 650Xi GPS/nav/com
GMA 345 audio with Bluetooth
GNC 215 color nav/com
GFC 500 autopilot
Garmin’s PlanSync aircraft management system, USB chargers, and more.
I want this airplane! How can I enter?
This is the perfect opportunity to join AOPA and help further the advancement of general aviation, all while flying away in your gorgeous 182.
Please follow this link for more information regarding the AOPA sweepstakes airplane.
https://www.aopa.org/membership/sweeps
Scholarship Applications Close February 8th
The AOPA Foundation Scholarship Program offers many types of aviation scholarships. From earning a primary certificate, to career advancement, to gaining additional ratings, we have scholarships to support nearly all aviation aspirations. Information on the application process and individual scholarships can be found, here.
