Jason Tomlinson’s1979 Cessna 182Q Skylane II. Photos courtesy of Jack Fleetwood (www.jackfleetwood.com)
For as long as Jason Tomlinson can remember, flying held a quiet fascination. It always seemed just out of reach. Like many aspiring aviators, he admired airplanes from a distance, assuming the cost and commitment of earning a private pilot certificate (PPC) might keep the dream grounded.
That began to change when his family gave him a flight yoke for Microsoft Flight Simulator. What started as a hobby at home soon turned into a possible opportunity. After looking into the cost of a private pilot certificate, he and his wife decided to schedule a discovery flight. What he expected to be a fun and challenging experience quickly became something more. It felt like something the whole family could enjoy together.
He earned his PPC in 2024 while training with Coastal Skies at Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport in Angleton, Texas (KLBX). Not long after completing his certification, he began searching for an airplane of his own.
Finding the Right Fit
This 1979 Cessna 182Q, is his first airplane. He approached the purchase carefully, weighing whether to buy a clean, lower-time airframe to upgrade himself or to find an aircraft that already had the improvements in place. The opportunity came through the owner of the flight school, who let him know the Skylane would soon be available.
Once he and his wife traveled to see and fly it, the decision was easy. They both knew it was the one.
The mission was clear. They needed an airplane capable of carrying a family of four and luggage to destinations that are inconvenient by car. With family in the Dallas area and frequent travel for water polo tournaments, flexibility mattered. They also wanted the freedom to travel out of state without dealing with commercial airline schedules. Since purchasing the airplane, they have flown to Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Restored and Ready
The previous owners had already completed a full restoration just a few years prior to the purchase. The airplane was in excellent condition with relatively low hours. It had been repainted in a classic 1979 scheme with updated colors and featured a leather interior.
Under the cowl is a Ly-Con modified Continental engine IO-520-C, paired with Electroair electronic ignition. A Goodrich Thermacool air conditioning system keeps the cabin comfortable in the South Texas heat. The panel is fully equipped with mod ern Garmin avionics including a G500 TXi primary flight display, a Garmin G5 backup display, GTN 750 navigator and comm, GTR 255A comm radio, GTX 345 ADS-B transponder, GFC 500 autopilot, and a Garmin angle of attack (AOA) system.
There was very little left to upgrade. When it came time to overhaul the propeller last year, he took the opportunity to update the prop paint so it would better complement the rest of the airplane. Texas Aircraft Propeller in Pearland handled the work, and he is very pleased with the results.
Future plans include finishing the lower panel to match the rest of the avionics suite and redoing the armrests on the doors to freshen up the interior.
Ownership Experience
Maintenance has been straightforward. The previous owners stayed current on service bulletins and airworthiness directives, and parts availability has not been an issue. Coastal Skies in Pearland has been his primary source for maintenance and parts support.
He flies more than 150 hours per year, a testament to how well the airplane fits their lifestyle. Operating costs average about $200 per hour, with fuel burn ranging from 10 to 13 gallons per hour. Cruise speeds typically fall between 125 and 135 knots.
There are many things he loves about the Skylane. The avionics suite makes cross country flying efficient and enjoyable. The flying characteristics are stable and confidence inspiring. And in South Texas, the air conditioning is more than a luxury. It is essential.
If he could change anything, he occasionally wishes for smaller wheels with wheel pants to squeeze out a little more speed. When you are cruising at 130 knots, sometimes you still want to get there just a bit faster.
Making Memories
Some of their favorite trips are simple ones. A quick hop to Lockhart, Texas, for barbecue is always a treat. They have also flown to watch rocket launches, including a night Starlink launch, the SpaceX Crew 10 mission, and Starship with its Super Heavy booster. Watching history unfold from the air adds a special perspective.
One of his most unforgettable experiences in N723SS was flying into Oshkosh. He and his son camped under the wing for the week, immersing themselves in the aviation community. They attended seminars and workshops, reconnected with old friends, and made new ones.
The arrival itself was unforgettable. Coming in on final to land on the green dot while an A-10 Warthog executed a breakaway on the perpendicular runway is a memory that will last a lifetime.
For this family, their 1979 Cessna 182Q is more than a means of transportation. It is a tool for adventure, a classroom in the sky, and a bridge connecting them to places and people that matter most.
