Cessna 172
Discover why the Cessna 172 Skyhawk is one of the most popular trainers in the world.
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.
Cessna 172 Specs
Cessna 172 G1000 Aircraft
The most common aircraft in the world, the C-172, has been a staple in aircraft training since its inception in the mid 1950s – but our fleet isn’t that old. Our air-conditioned Garmin G1000 equipped 172s are all 2018 models or newer, including 2 new 2020 models.
Quantity in our fleet: 5
Year models: 2018-2020
Avionics: G1000
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 Information
Length
27 ft 2 in (8.28 m)
Height
8 ft 11 in (2.72 m)
Wingspan
36 ft 1 in (11.00 m)
Wing Surface Area
174 sq ft (16.17 sq m)
Cabin Width
3.3 ft (1.01 m)
Empty Weight
1,640 lb (744 kg)
Useful Load
918 lb (416 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight
2,550 lb (1,157 kg)
Engine
Textron Lycoming IO-360-L2A
Power Output
180 hp at 2,750 RPM
Maximum Occupants
4
Propeller
McCauley 2-blade metal, fixed pitch
Cessna 172 Performance Specs
Max Cruise Speed
124 KTAS (230 km/h)
Maximum Speed
163 KIAS (302 km/h)
Stall Speed
48 KCAS (89 km/h)
Climb Rate
730 ft/min (223 m/min)
Takeoff Distance
1,630 ft (497 m)
Landing Distance
1,335 ft (407 m)
Max Range
640 nm (1,185 km)
Service Ceiling
14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Aircraft Documentation
Cessna 172 Preflight
Watch the video below for a detailed look at the 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 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.
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.
Want to see more of our fleet? Check out our brand new Piper Archer TX, Piper Seminole, and Sportcruiser aircraft.
Ready to achieve your aviation goals? Give us a call or fill out our contact form and we’ll help you determine which program is right for you.