Cessna 172 Skyhawk

The four-seat trainer that became the most produced aircraft in history.

Editorial Team

Overview

Cessna United States ICAO: C172 1956–Present Active $307,000 (2012)

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is one of the most recognizable light aircraft ever built. Introduced in the 1950s, it became the standard training platform for private pilots worldwide. Continuous production and refinement have kept the model relevant for decades.

Live Fleet Activity (C172)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Lycoming O-360 L2A
Engine type
Piston
Power
160 hp · 119 kW
Avionics
Garmin G1000 glass cockpit
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Cabin height
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Cabin length
11 ft 10 in  ·  3.60 m
Exterior length
27 ft 3 in  ·  8.30 m
Tail height
8 ft 11 in  ·  2.72 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 7 in  ·  1.10 m
Wing span
36 ft 1 in  ·  11.00 m
Baggage volume
30 ft³  ·  0.9 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
2,550 lb  ·  1,150 kg
Max landing weight
2,550 lb  ·  1,150 kg
Max payload
900 lb  ·  400 kg
Fuel capacity
60 gal · 200 L · 200 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
123 kt  ·  142 mph  ·  228 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
47 kt  ·  54 mph  ·  87 km/h
Range
687 nm  ·  790 mi  ·  1,270 km
Fuel burn
26.40 nm/gal  ·  12.91 km/L
Ceiling
13,500 ft  ·  4,100 m
Rate of climb
730 ft/min  ·  4 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,630 ft  ·  500 m
Landing distance
1,340 ft  ·  410 m
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Operational Context

Cessna 172 Skyhawk — single-engine piston training aircraft

The Cessna 172 first flew in 1955 and entered service in 1956. It evolved from the earlier Cessna 170 with the addition of a tricycle landing gear configuration. The aircraft features a high-wing design, fixed landing gear, and straightforward handling characteristics that made it ideal for instruction.

Powered by a Lycoming IO-360 piston engine producing approximately 180 horsepower in modern variants, the 172 cruises at around 120 knots (222 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg). The cabin seats four occupants and supports both training and personal transportation roles.

The 172 has logged millions of flight hours across flight schools and private ownership. Numerous avionics upgrades and refinements have modernized the cockpit. Its longevity and reliability make it a benchmark in general aviation.