Cessna 180 Float Plane modelCessna 180 floatplane model. The Cessna 180 started life as a more powerful development of the 170 and evolved into a family of useful utility aircraft that was in production for over three decades. The first 180s were essentially Model 170s with a more powerful 170kW (225hp) O 470 A engine. The first of the type flew in 1952 and deliveries began in February the following year. The 180's career as a high performance single was short lived due to the