Aircraft Overview: Cessna 172 Skyhawk

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company (now Textron Aviation)
• Model: Cessna 172 Skyhawk
• First Flight: June 12, 1955
• Primary Use: General aviation, flight training, personal use
• Number Built: Over 44,000 (most-produced aircraft in history)
• Price Range:

  • New: Approximately $432,000
  • Pre-owned: $40,000 to $400,000 depending on year and condition

Design and Specifications

• Type: Single-engine, high-wing, fixed-gear airplane
• Wingspan: 36 ft 1 in (11.00 m)
• Length: 27 ft 2 in (8.28 m)
• Height: 8 ft 11 in (2.72 m)
• Empty Weight: 1,680 lbs (762 kg)
• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg)
• Fuel Capacity: 56 gallons (212 liters)

Performance

• Engine: Lycoming IO-360-L2A, 180 hp
• Maximum Cruise Speed: 122 knots (140 mph, 226 km/h)
• Range: 640 nautical miles (736 miles, 1,185 km)
• Service Ceiling: 14,000 feet
• Takeoff Distance: 1,630 feet (497 m)
• Landing Distance: 1,335 feet (407 m)

Capacity

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Passengers: 3
• Cargo: Up to 120 lbs (54 kg)

Features and Avionics

• Avionics Suite: Garmin G1000 NXi (on modern variants)
• Notable Features:

  • High-wing design for enhanced visibility
  • Proven reliability and durability
  • Ideal for flight training and personal use

Roles and Uses

• Flight Training: A staple in aviation schools worldwide
• Personal Use: Popular for private pilots
• Surveying and Patrol: Used for aerial photography and patrol missions

History and Legacy

• Development: Introduced as an upgrade to the Cessna 170, featuring tricycle landing gear
• Market Success: The most popular and widely produced aircraft in history
• Cultural Impact: Synonymous with general aviation and pilot training

Fun Facts and Trivia

• World Record: A Cessna 172 holds the record for the longest continuous flight: 64 days, 22 hours, and 19 minutes (1958-59).
• Common Nickname: “Skyhawk” became the marketing name in 1960.

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