CESSNA 172 SERIES Aircraft For Sale

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Series Aircraft Information

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a high-wing fixed-wing aircraft with a single engine and four seats. The 172 has the capacity for one crew member and three passengers. The empty weight is 1,691 lb (767 kg) and the gross weight is 2,450 lb (1,111 kg). Fuel capacity of the 172 is 56 US gallons (212 liters). Cruise speed is 122 kn (140 mph; 226 km/h), the stall speed is 47 kn (54 mph; 87 km/h), and the Cessna 172 should never exceed a speed of 163 kn (188 mph; 302 km/h).

With more aircraft manufactured than any other make, the first Cessna 172 was flown in 1955 and is still in production today. Various models of the Cessna aircraft include the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cessna 172/180 Conversion, 172A Skyhawk, 172B Skyhawk, 172C Skyhawk, 172D Skyhawk, 172E Skyhawk, 172F Skyhawk, 172G Skyhawk, 172H Skyhawk, 172I, 172J, 172K Skyhawk, Cessna 172L Skyhawk, Cessna 172M Skyhawk, Cessna 172N Skyhawk, 172O, 172P Skyhawk, 172Q Cutlass, 172R Skyhawk, Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, Cessna 172RG Cutlass, Reims FR172J, and 172 Hawk XP-R172. Future models include the 172 TD and Electric-powered 172.

The Cessna 172 is the most successful mass produced light aircraft in history. More than 43,000 172s have been built. The aircraft started out as a tricycle landing gear variant of the taildragger Cessna 170. An improved variant of the Cessna 170, a Continental 0-300-A with a larger elevator and more angular vertical tail, was flown in January 1955. The variant was tested and certified, but Cessna decided to modify it with a tricycle landing gear. This modified Cessna 170C flew again in June 1955. The type was added on to the Cessna 170 type certificate as the Model 172 to reduce the time and cost of certification. Given its own type certificate 3A12, the Cessna 172 became a success and over 1,400 were built during its first full year of production in 1956.

The early Cessna 172s resembled the 170. The 172 had the same straight aft fuselage and tall gear legs, but the 172 had a straight vertical tail. More recent versions of the Cessna 172 incorporated revised landing gear and a sweptback tail which is still in use today. In the mid-1960s the rear deck was lowered to allow an aft window. This added rear visibility was advertised as "Omni-Vision". The airframe configuration of the C172 has remained almost unchanged since. There have been updates in avionics and engines, including the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit.

Modifications of the Cessna 172 are allowed via Supplemental Type Certificates, including increased engine power and higher gross weights. STC engine modifications can add constant speed propellers, increase power to 180 to 210 hp (134 to 157 kW), or allow the use of automobile gasoline. Some other modifications include added baggage compartment tanks, additional fuel tank capacity in the wing tips, enhance landing and takeoff performance and safety with a STOL kit, or add wheel pants to reduce drag.

To view the various models currently available, please check out our Cessna aircraft for sale for descriptions and photos or PLACE A LISTING of your aircraft for sale.