Modifying Fuel Tank on Cessna?

Alani

Alani

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AlaniPhantom
I just started my aviation journey, as I learn more I'm coming up with all kinds of questions that thankfully I've had alot f very good input from the folks on here.
One question I have now is, can you extend, modify, or increase the size of the fuel tank in a Cessna Skylane/Skyhawk series for increased range?
Thanks!
 
Alani said:
I just started my aviation journey, as I learn more I'm coming up with all kinds of questions that thankfully I've had alot f very good input from the folks on here.
One question I have now is, can you extend, modify, or increase the size of the fuel tank in a Cessna Skylane/Skyhawk series for increased range?
Thanks!
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Prob the most popular ones. Some 172s came with an aux tank in the baggage compartment, like 15 gallons IIRC, and STC mod, my bother's 172H had one. (the one in his airplane was installed by Cessna using aftermarket STC.)

https://flintaero.com/kits/internal-tip-tanks/

https://www.airplains.com/long-range-fuel-tanks


Baggage tank:

http://griggsaircraft.com/fabrication/aux_fuel_systems
 
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I have flown an older (B model) 182 that had STC wing tip tanks added. I think it added something like 30 gallons of fuel and increased the Max Gross weight 200lbs.
Was nice to have 90 gallons of fuel available, the extra useful load was nice also.

Wasn't my airplane so don't know much else about the STC for the tip tanks, or which models it is/was available for.

Brian
 
Alani said:
I just started my aviation journey, as I learn more I'm coming up with all kinds of questions that thankfully I've had alot f very good input from the folks on here.
One question I have now is, can you extend, modify, or increase the size of the fuel tank in a Cessna Skylane/Skyhawk series for increased range?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Some 182's come with long range tanks as part of the installed design. Our club's 1975 182P has 37 gal per side, 74 total, and that's plenty of fuel for a 5 hour endurance flight with VFR reserves. Way more than my butt or bladder can stand in one go.

For super long distances, special ferry tanks can be installed. The trade off is you remove the rear seat and greatly reduce the amount of baggage and people you can carry on that flight.

Are you still trying to get from North Carolina to the UK? But now instead of a light twin, doing it in a single engine?
 
AggieMike88 said:
Some 182's come with long range tanks as part of the installed design. Our club's 1975 182P has 37 gal per side, 74 total, and that's plenty of fuel for a 5 hour endurance flight with VFR reserves. Way more than my butt or bladder can stand in one go.

For super long distances, special ferry tanks can be installed. The trade off is you remove the rear seat and greatly reduce the amount of baggage and people you can carry on that flight.

Are you still trying to get from North Carolina to the UK? But now instead of a light twin, doing it in a single engine?
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I'm learning and researching practical options. Maybe some initial domestic long hauls (after finishing PPL single engine) then taking it from there.
 
Alani said:
I'm learning and researching practical options. Maybe some initial domestic long hauls (after finishing PPL single engine) then taking it from there.
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Good to research, but unless you’re in the 2%, you may be like the rest of us once you realize that 3 hours in a spam-can is a LONG time.
 
AggieMike88 said:
and once your bladder reaches "gotta go NOW!" capacity, the 15-20 minutes it takes to descend, land, taxi, secure, and run behind the bush or tree is an eternity
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Isn't that why you bring an empty Gatorade bottle with you? :)
 
Alani said:
Isn't that why you bring an empty Gatorade bottle with you? :)
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Yes. And make sure it's any flavor other than lemon-lime. (think about it for a moment)
 
The 172s with long-range tanks have different wings. The structure of the tank bay is different to accommodate a larger tank.

Better to buy an airplane with better range, or that can have the Flint tip tanks on it (182 or 206, 210).
 
My 172(68) has 11g internal tanks on each wing giving 60 gal total, which helps when one has the Alcon conversion(180hp, CSP). It definitely makes it a better cross country machine if one doesn’t mind using the Gatorade option. My 1960 210 had the same tanks as well.
 
Tons of fuel tank options for a 182. Mine has 88 gallons usable from the factory. @Katamarino has the same plane, but with tip tanks
 
Look for a plane with the extended range tanks installed if that is a requirement. Can't remember the last time I saw a tubular gear 182 without extended range tanks, though they were made.
 
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