Cessna 172

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is an American four-seat, single-engine, high-wing, fixed-wing aircraft produced by Cessna/Textron Aviation.

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is an American four-seat, single-engine, high-wing, fixed-wing aircraft produced by Cessna/Textron Aviation. First flown in 1955 and entering service in 1956, it is widely used for flight training, personal flying, and general aviation. It is commonly described as the most-produced aircraft in history, with more than 44,000 built.

Design and development

The Cessna 172 was developed as a four-seat successor to earlier Cessna tailwheel aircraft and became known for its stable handling and simple operation. Its standard configuration includes a high wing and tricycle landing gear.

Operational use

The aircraft is used globally in flight schools, private flying, and recreational aviation. Its handling characteristics and widespread parts/support network have made it a standard training platform.

Performance and specifications

Published specifications vary by variant, but common figures for current models include a cruise speed around 122 knots and a range of about 696 nautical miles with reserve fuel. The aircraft’s performance depends on engine variant, weight, and operating conditions.

Production and variants

The Cessna 172 has been built in many variants since the 1950s, including updated avionics and engine configurations. Production has continued into the modern era under Textron Aviation.