This Cessna A185F was built in 1973 and wrecked in 1979.  Michael Petrie of MLJ Aircraft Services at Birchwood, AK completely rebuilt this aircraft in early ’03.  At that time I had a perfectly good Cessna 180 but as I watched Mike built this plane I knew that I couldn’t live without it.

 The engine is a Factory New IO520D with GAMI fuel injectors and an 86 inch 3 blade McCauley Seaplane prop.  The Sportsman STOL kit was installed along with Pponk gear modification, 26 inch Alaskan Bushwheel tires for summer flying and Landes 3600 skies for the winter.  The battery was moved to the firewall and Reiff per-heat system was installed.  The wings have the Monarch main and long range tanks, Whelen strobe lights and beacon, and RMD wing lights.

 A new instrument panel was installed with an Avion lighted glare shield, EI engine monitor, fuel flow/pressure, manifold pressure, tachometer, CHT and oil pressure/temp.  It also has the Garmin GMA 340 stereo audio panel, Garmin GNC 250XL, GPS/com and Garmin 296 GPS.

 The interior was designed by my wife Frieda and has leather seats and trim.  The baggage area was extended and lowered.

This airplane is the ideal “Alaska Toy” and flies as good as it looks!