The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation’s tax-free raffle grand prize is getting a major upgrade. The foundation, named for the Cubcrafters founder and backcountry flying enthusiast, is raffling off a brawny, big-tired Cessna 182 to raise funds for its work preserving and upgrading aviation access to stunning wilderness locations. The straight-tailed Skylane came with the venerable Continental 0-470L engine rated at 230 horsepower. The foundation announced Tuesday that before the winner is drawn on June 6, it will have factory overhauled 280-hp O-520 F/TS installed under a Texas Skyways Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
“This is a transformational upgrade for an already outstanding aircraft,” said Brad Damm, executive director of the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation. “The additional horsepower meaningfully improves the aircraft’s overall backcountry performance, while the extended TBO substantially increases long-term value. We’re incredibly grateful to Continental and Texas Skyways for supporting both this fundraising raffle aircraft and the broader mission of backcountry aviation access.”
Of course, the re-engined, thoroughly gone over 182 is quite valuable and its future winner would normally face a big tax bill for the sudden windfall, but the foundation is covering the tax liability, meaning the future owner can afford to accept the prize. Continental Aerospace Technologies and Texas Skyways both say the aircraft and the cause it supports align with their company philosophies. “We’re proud to support an organization investing in the future of responsible, safe backcountry flying,” said Continental’s Vadim Cateli. Texas Skyways said in a statement that its focus is on ensuring safe and reliable powerplants for aircraft used in demanding conditions. “We’re proud to support an organization that understands the technical and operational requirements of this kind of flying.”
