A few hours of training with an instructor who is a frequent flyer of the
182 should be sufficient. There are few more switches and levers to deal
with, and the plane flies a little more "heavy" (more stable, less
responsive, higher control forces), but otherwise the 182 is just as easy
to fly as the 172, and quite similar in handling.

I found the two birds to handle quite differently. The 172 feels positively
sprightly compared to a 182, which is more truck-like and nose-heavy. The
182 is really a "trim" plane, meaning that you need to keep that electric
trim working throughout all phases of flight -- especially on landing.

Don't try to arm wrestle it into the flare -- just be ready to roll the
trim. It takes quite a heave to flare an improperly trimmed 182, while it's
quite easy to pull this same maneuver in a 172 without trim.

Which is not to say the 182 is at all difficult to fly -- it's not. Be
ready for that nose-heaviness, trim accordingly, and it's a simple plane to
fly. (One note of caution: Given the number of firewalls that have been
replaced in the 182 fleet, it's safe to say that a lot of pilots have been
surprised by the nose-heaviness. Remember: TRIM!)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"