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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.