Cessna 172

Nearly every flight school around the world has at least a few Cessna 172’s in use. Many of the features listed below are the reason. The 172 is aerodynamically stable and easy to handle for new pilots. The high-wing design gives the student a bit of added visibility.

Overall, the Cessna 172 is an incredibly popular aircraft for good reason.

C172 Aircraft Features – G1000

• Garmin G1000 Avionics Suite
• GFC700 Dual Axis Autopilot
• Air Conditioning
• Leather Interior
• ADS/B In and Out
• In-Cockpit Traffic and Weather

Aircraft Documentation

Cessna 172 Preflight

Watch the video below for a detailed look at the Cessna Skyhawk preflight process. And then take a look at our article on the Cessna 172 preflight checklist for tips on how to do an effective preflight.

Cessna 172 Cockpit

Where the cockpit is concerned, modern Cessna 172’s feature an integrated set of cockpit avionics, known as the Garmin G1000 NXi which included an all-new and improved graphical interface, high-resolution displays, powerful hardware, wireless technology, and increased functionality for situational awareness.

This information is displayed on two screens in the cockpit, together with altitude, airspeed, and geographical position.

Some 172’s also include a digital autopilot feature. This digital autopilot feature was capable of sustaining a steady rate of descent and ascent, consistent speed, and altitude ranges in a completely automatic way.

A pilot had the capability of recovering from unwanted altitudes with just a push of a button on the autopilot.

Cessna 172 Models

The earliest model of the 172 which debuted in 1956 saw a variety of changes and upgrades, including the creation of special variants such as the 172 Hawk XP seaplane and a proof-of-concept electric-powered Cessna 172.

In 1986, the 172 ceased production, after almost 20 years due to liability concerns. Cessna, a company established in 1911 was acquired by Textron in 1992. Production of the 172 model resumed in 1996 after the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 was passed.

Engineering efforts were channeled towards the building of the 160 horsepower 172R Skyhawk. This model was the first 172 which was fitted with a fuel-injection engine and had a redesigned interior and ventilation system.

The 180 horsepower Cessna Skyhawk subsequently followed production in 1998, aptly named the 172S Skyhawk SP.

Due to its multi-purpose capacity and robustness, the Cessna 172 remains popular. While there are other faster and more agile planes from competitors like Beechcraft and Piper, the Cessna is relatively easier and less expensive to maintain.

Due to its popularity, parts are readily available and nearly every aviation mechanic has worked on a 172.

Model	Production Years	Key Features
Cessna 172	1956-1958	Original model with a Continental O-300 engine.
Cessna 172A	1959	Introduced a swept-back tailfin and rudder.
Cessna 172B	1960-1961	Redesigned landing gear and new interior.
Cessna 172C	1962	Optional autopilot and redesigned instrument panel.
Cessna 172D	1963	Introduced the “Omni-Vision” rear window.
Cessna 172E	1964	Improved landing gear and updated avionics.
Cessna 172F	1965	First model with electric flaps.
Cessna 172G	1966	Minor updates to interior and exterior.
Cessna 172H	1967	Features a redesigned cowling and improved engine cooling.
Cessna 172I	1968	Introduced the Lycoming O-320 engine.
Cessna 172J	1969	Minor updates, limited production.
Cessna 172K	1969-1970	Improved avionics and interior.
Cessna 172L	1971-1972	New nosewheel strut and updated interior.
Cessna 172M	1973-1976	Features a cambered wing for improved performance.
Cessna 172N	1977-1980	Introduced the Lycoming O-320-H2AD engine.
Cessna 172P	1981-1986	Improved soundproofing and avionics.
Cessna 172Q Cutlass	1983-1985	Higher-performance variant with a 180 hp engine.
Cessna 172R	1996-2012	Features a fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360 engine.
Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP	1998-present	High-performance model with a 180 hp engine and modern avionics.

Cessna 172 Range

The Cessna 172 has decent flight range, making it popular for training and recreational flying.

The Cessna 172 range can reach about 640 nautical miles with standard fuel tanks and a cruising speed of 120 knots.

With extra fuel tanks, the Cessna 172 max range can go up to nearly 800 nautical miles.

The exact range can vary depending on the specific model of the Cessna 172. This makes the Cessna 172 a versatile and reliable aircraft for many types of flights.

Range of Cessna 172 Models (Nautical Miles)

Cessna 172 Engine

The Cessna 172 engine has evolved over the years, with different models featuring various engine types.

The original Cessna 172, introduced in 1956, was equipped with a Continental O-300 engine, a six-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 145 horsepower.

In 1968, the Cessna 172I model marked a significant change by introducing the Lycoming O-320-E2D engine, a four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower. This shift to Lycoming engines continued with subsequent models, such as the 172K, L, and M variants, which also used the Lycoming O-320-E2D engine.

In 1998, the Cessna 172S model was introduced, featuring the more powerful Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine, which produces 180 horsepower. This engine upgrade provided better performance and efficiency, making the 172S a popular choice among pilots.

The Cessna 172 engine type and specifications can vary depending on the model year, but the consistent use of reliable and efficient engines has contributed to the aircraft’s enduring popularity.

For detailed 172 engine specs, it’s essential to refer to the specific model year and engine type in question.

Record Setting Flight in a 172

Robert Timm and John Cook’s names are synonymous with the C-172. It’s hard to talk about this plane without mentioning the world record for flight endurance undertaken by these two pilots from December 4, 1958, to February 7, 1959.

With a registered Cessna 172, Timm & Cook took off from the McCarran Airfield in Las Vegas, Nevada, and flew the 172 for a total of 64 days, 22 hours, 19 minutes, and 5 seconds. This world record was done to raise funds for the Damon Runyon Cancer Fund.

History of the Cessna 172

With the Cessna 172, you get almost everything you want in a plane. Whether you want an afternoon joyride, short-haul trip with friends, or you’re trying to build time, the 172 is exactly what you need.

Undeniably the most popular aircraft, the C-172 is the most produced aircraft in the world with well over 44,000 units produced.

It was 1956 when the world first met this beautiful aviation marvel. With a foundation crafted from the 170, the Cessna 172 was designed with unique features such as an angular tailfin, lowered rear deck (which made it possible to add a rear window) the tricycle landing gear and larger elevators.

These modifications increased the plane’s popularity, with at least 1,400 airplanes produced within one year of its debut. Today, there have been more than 44,000 units produced, cementing the Cessna 172 in aviation history.

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