Sunglass Flyers is dedicated to documenting and preserving the history and renovation of N4966E, the very first Cessna 182.

Introduced in 1956, Cessna promotions touted such accolades as: Presenting for the First Time... Small Talk Suddenly Pauses... Heads Turn... Excitement Swells! All of which are equally true today among the flying community, especially when this gleaming restored classic is in view. First off the assembly line, serial number 33,000 led a production of 843 such planes and began one of the most successful aircraft designs in the history of general aviation.

"The Airplane You Can Drive" was promoted through the patented "Land-O-Matic" gear, "Paralift" flaps, new Continental O-470-L 230 hp engine and new "Hush Flight" features. N4966E was delivered with optional equipment including dual controls and sun visors, outside air and carburetor temperature gauges, pilot heat and an "Oil Dilution System". Mirroring a 180 with tricycle landing gear, the cowl of the 182 was modified to accommodate the nose wheel leaving no room for cowl flaps. This model has a workable horizontal stabilizer that reduces trim drag. A lighter weight, by 550 pounds, enables this 1956 Cessna 182 to deliver the best rate of climb at 1,200 fpm, providing short landing and takeoff distances and a cruising speed of 140 knots/hour. These mechanical attributes, which blend speed and style have kept the Cessna 182 as one of the world's most popular high performance single engine airplanes.

N4966E has provided its owners with business and personal transportation initially in Mexico, then returning to United States in 1962. This 182 is currently hangered in Montana as a pleasure craft. It frequents the beautiful Flathead Valley skies, distinguishable by its glossy sheen with the mountainous landscape reflecting on the wing's polished underside. N4966E has been held in great esteem by all of its owners, evident in the meticulous care it has been given throughout its years, making it a great candidate for restoration. The end result looks like a well charted project, but it was not without its share of turbulent challenges shared further in this site. We hope you enjoy this piece of aviation history.