A stock 182 P/Q is a wonderful performer, and yes, a Horton or Sportsman STOL kit help noticeably. VG’s are also helpful, though not if you’ll have to clear snow off the wings. The AoA is another topic, there are two sides to that story.
182 owners should make themselves aware of Cessna service bulletin SEB95-19, likely soon to be an AD for the wing strut bulkhead cracking. I found such a crack in a 182Q with 3380 TTSN. There’s a kit to install to carry wing strut loads across this vulnerable area. The service letter also applies to other strut braced Cessnas, though not all.
Note that in this photo, I have drilled off the wing strut attach lug for clarity, and removed the boot cowl skin, (which was damaged anyway) to get a better photo.
For gravel operations, the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer can take a beating. I saw this gravel mod when I stopped for fuel in Alaska once:
Those Alaskan aeroplanes, might not look pretty cosmetically but I have spoken to some big operators up there who have 20-20 Cessna’s. They are all about the Cessna Service Kits. Just like the SK for the lower wing strut attach points. Generally, they seem to know all the areas of concern in the aircraft they operate. If you ever want to talk to or buy parts from a Cessna genius – http://www.robairrepair.com/
Worth noting also that guy with the 182P has the P-Ponk engine which potentially another 45hp for 4lbs of extra weight.
