THE BUSHLINER STORY

The team behind the Bushliner 1850 has long been immersed in the world of legacy aircraft restoration. For years, their expertise was focused on reviving classic taildraggers, celebrated for their utility, character, and timeless design. But over time, that work became increasingly burdened by the scarcity of parts, deteriorating airframes, and growing restrictions, factors that signaled the need for transformation. When the opportunity arose to acquire the Cyclone platform, originally introduced by St-Just Aviation in 1992 as a clone of the revered Skywagon, the team recognized it as a rare alignment with their vision. Rather than continuing to fight time and regulation, they set out to manufacture something new, a purpose-built aircraft that would capture the spirit of the backcountry classics without the compromises of restoration. Bushliner is the realization of that vision, a newly manufactured taildragger crafted with precision, respect for heritage, and a commitment to forward-looking innovation.
‍In 2021, Bushliner acquired the manufacturing rights to the Cyclone 180,
establishing the foundation for a new era.
For many years, our expertise was devoted to the restoration of legacy aircraft. While this endeavor was celebrated for its dedication, it increasingly encountered insurmountable challenges, including the scarcity of parts, the deteriorating condition of these vintage aircraft, and the ever-evolving FAA restrictions. These challenges signaled the need for a significant transformation. In response, we embarked on a visionary journey to produce entirely new aircraft, drawing inspiration from the St-Just 'Cyclone 180,' an aircraft cloned from the venerable Cessna 185 introduced in 1992.


‍In 2021, Bushliner acquired the manufacturing rights to the Cyclone 180, establishing the foundation for a new era.

GO THERE.
HAUL IT.

We recognized the enduring appeal of classic aircraft design, the rugged utility, raw performance, and unfiltered connection to flight that pilots have cherished for decades. Our mission became clear, to breathe new life into these proven qualities through a refined, builder-assisted platform. This vision was shaped not only by our own field-tested experience with legacy airframes but also by invaluable feedback from seasoned operators and early Cyclone owners. The result is the Bushliner 1850 Cyclone, an evolution of a backcountry classic, reimagined for today’s aviator through a hands-on, build program that delivers exceptional capability without compromising heritage.

Timeless Design. Modern Confidence: The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone delivers what backcountry aircraft enthusiasts have long sought but rarely found, the soul of a heritage taildragger without the decades of baggage. While vintage airframes come with aging structures, recurring ADs, and limited upgrade paths, the Cyclone is built entirely from new components. It preserves the rugged utility and iconic lines but enhances them with modern construction, refined ergonomics, and integrated safety features. No restorations, no compromises, just timeless performance built for today.
‍
Modern Engineering. Trusted Safety: The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone is built by integrating advanced materials, modern avionics, and proven engineering to ensure reliability, simplify maintenance, and enhance every phase of ownership. From structural reinforcements to fuel system upgrades and occupant protection, safety is designed into every detail.
‍
Dominate the Backcountry. Redefine Capability: The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone is not just another taildragger. It is the top-performing aircraft in its class. Designed to dominate the backcountry, it combines brute strength with refined control, delivering unmatched payload, STOL performance, and mission flexibility. It is a Jeep and a truck in one, rugged enough for the roughest terrain, powerful enough to carry what matters, and capable enough to go where others will not even try.

GO THERE.
HAUL IT.

We recognized the enduring appeal of classic design, the rugged utility, and the raw performance of these aircraft. Our mission was to infuse new life into these enduring qualities. This revelation, fuelled by insights from our discerning customers, led us to meticulously enhance the new aircraft. The result is the Bushliner 1850 Cyclone, a transformation tenfold superior to its predecessors, the Cyclone 180 and Cessna 185.

The Cyclone 1850 symbolizes this profound transition, signifying our departure from the restoration work that once defined us and heralding an era of innovation and sustainability. Here's why we engineered this change:

Sustainability: The restoration of older aircraft became increasingly unsustainable due to the scarcity of spare parts and required labor. The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone represents a novel approach that ensures long-term sustainability by being built from all new components.
‍
Proven Design: We hold a deep appreciation for classic design. The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone preserves the quintessential elements of classic aviation aesthetics while incorporating contemporary features.
‍
Cutting-Edge Technology: Our new aircraft integrates the latest technological advancements, guaranteeing improved performance and unwavering reliability.
Safety: Safety is of utmost importance. The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone incorporates state-of-the-art safety measures, providing peace of mind to passengers and operators alike.
‍
Performance: We harnessed the power of innovation to create an aircraft that excels in performance, efficiency, and adaptability.

The Bushliner 1850 Cyclone represents more than a return to form. It signals a new chapter in the evolution of backcountry aviation. Developed as a modern continuation of proven utility aircraft, it reflects a commitment to carrying forward the best of classic design with the precision and performance standards of today. With production underway and capability fully realized, Bushliner marks a significant step forward in the landscape of purpose-built taildraggers, grounded in legacy, built for what comes next, and ready for wherever adventure leads.