The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is an American four-seat, single-engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft made by the Cessna Aircraft Company. First flown in 1955, more 172s have been built than any other aircraft. It was developed from the Cessna 170, which was first manufactured in 1948, but with tricycle landing gear rather than conventional landing gear. The Skyhawk name was originally used for a trim package, but was later applied to all standard-production 172 aircraft, while some upgraded versions were marketed as the Cutlass, Powermatic, and Hawk XP. The aircraft was also produced under license in France by Reims Aviation, which marketed upgraded versions as the Reims Rocket.

Measured by its longevity and popularity, the Cessna 172 is the most successful aircraft in history. Cessna delivered the first production model in 1956, and as of 2015, the company and its partners had built more than 44,000 units. With a break from 1986 to 1996, the aircraft remains in production today.

Powerplant, Systems & Technical Highlights

The Cessna 172 family has been produced with several engine configurations over its long service life, ranging from early Continental-powered models to later Lycoming-equipped Skyhawks. Modern production versions of the Skyhawk use a 180 hp fuel-injected Lycoming engine, combining proven reliability with economical operation.

• Aircraft type: Four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft

• Configuration: High-wing monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear

• Manufacturer: Cessna / Textron Aviation

• Maximum cruise speed: 124 ktas

• Maximum range: 640 nm

• Useful load: 878 lb

• Takeoff distance: 1,630 ft

Exterior & Cabin

The Cessna 172’s high-wing layout offers excellent outward visibility, practical cabin access, and stable handling characteristics that have made it a favorite among instructors, students, and owner-pilots alike. Its four-seat cabin provides a highly usable balance between simplicity and comfort, while the fixed landing gear configuration supports straightforward operation and manageable ownership.

The Perfect Airplane For

The Cessna 172 is ideal for pilots seeking a highly recognizable, easy-to-operate, and exceptionally well-established aircraft. It is equally suited to:

• Primary flight training

• Private ownership and hour-building

• Local touring and cross-country leisure flying

• Flight schools and club operations

• Pilots who value predictable handling and broad supportability