Through the first eight months of the 1980 US model year, the Cutlass RG accounted for almost 38 per cent of the four-place retractable market. Combined with retractable Skylanes, this enabled Cessna to capture almost 62 per cent of that market segment. Clean design and its 180 horsepower powerplant with constant speed propeller combine for a cruise speed of 140 knots (161 mph) at only ten gallons per hour. Range at that cruise power, with a maximum usable fuel of 62 gallons, is 720 nautical (829 statute/ miles. The load-carrying capability of the Cutlass RG is outstanding. Take-off weight is 2650 pounds and useful load is 1103 pounds. Loading the aircraft is easy, with two full-size doors and a baggage door. The baggage area is certified for 200 pounds. Gear operating speed is 140 knots and the first ten degrees of flaps can be lowered at 130 knots, allowing rapid descents. That means ease of operation in flying a variety of approach procedures in health traffic.