Summary
- The Cessna 172 was an instant success, with over 4,195 produced in its first five years.
- The Cessna Skyhawk underwent various upgrades in the 60s to improve features and performance.
- Production of the Cessna 172 halted in 1986 but resumed in 1996 with newer engine models.
The Cessna 172, now known as the Cessna Skyhawk, first flew on June 12th, 1955. It was built by the Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation) and is still in production today. There have been more Cessna 172s built than any other aircraft. The four-seat, single-engine, high fixed-wing aircraft is extremely popular for student pilots and flight instructors and in general aviation. Let’s look in more detail.
Development of the Cessna 172
The original Cessna 172 was developed from the 1948 Cessna 170 taildragger, but a tricycle landing gear was added, as well as a Continental-300-A engine. The elevators were made larger, and a more angular tail fin was added. The aircraft was certified and typed as a version of the Cessna 170 but this was later revised to have its own type certification. It was an overnight success, and 1,400 were built in 1956 alone, in its first year. In its first five years of production, over 4,195 of the aircraft were made.
The 60s upgrades
In 1960, the Cessna 172 became the Cessna Skyhawk. It had a revised landing gear and a swept-back tail fin (172A). The asking price was $9,450, and 1,014 were built. The 172B had a shorter landing gear, reshaped engine cowling, and a pointed propeller spinner. The 172C in 1962 had an optional autopilot and a key starter instead of a pull starter. The seats became adjustable, and child seats could be placed in the baggage area. The price rose to $9,895 (or $99,668 in today’s money), and 889 of the aircraft were produced.
In 1963, the 172D was modified with a one-piece windshield and a wraparound Omni-vision rear window. The gross weight was increased, and new rudder and brake pedals were added. The instrument panel was renewed the following year, and circuit breakers were fitted in the 172E. A total of 1,401 172E were built that year. In 1965, there was the new 172F with electronically operated flaps. A total of 1,436 were completed.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Onwards and upwards
In the last few years of the 1960s, the demand for the Cessna Skyhawk continued and Cessna continued to tweak the aircraft. The main change was the move to the Lycoming O-320-E2D engine and an increase in horsepower in the 172I version. Other improvements included the rear windows being reshaped and long-range tanks offered. During the 1970s, the landing gear legs were replaced, and the camber wing was added. Radio equipment was upgraded, and the instrument panel was redesigned. The engine was replaced by the Lycoming O-320-D2J, rudder trim, and pre-selectable flaps introduced.
Photo: Textron Aviation
Production ceased and restarted
By the 1980s, small improvements were still being made. The 172P ceased production due to legal liability rulings in the US that pushed Cessna’s insurance cost too high, and with every new aircraft, prices were increasing dramatically. Production was halted in 1986 but resumed in 1996 with the Cessna 172R Skyhawk, which had 160 horsepower and the Lycoming IO-360-L2A, a factory-fitted fuel injection engine.
In 1998, the Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP was introduced with 180 horsepower but the same engines. It was fitted with the Garmin G1000 avionics system and aimed at private owners. Some special edition and upgraded versions of the 172 were made, and they were named Cutlass. The Cessna 172S is the only variant still in production.
General characteristics
Specifications:
- Crew: one
- Capacity: three passengers
- Length: 27 ft 2 in (8.28 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft 1 in (11.00 m)
- Height: 8 ft 11 in (2.72 m)
- Wing area: 174 sq ft (16.2 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,691 lb (767 kg)
- Gross weight: 2,450 lb (1,111 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 56 US gallons (212 litres)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-380-L2A four cylinder 160 hp (120 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed metal, fixed pitch
Performance:
- Cruise speed: 122 kn (140 mph, 226 km/h)
- Stall speed: 47 kn (54 mph, 87 km/h) (power off, flaps down)
- Never exceed speed: 163 kn (188 mph, 302 km/h)
- Range: 696 nmi (801 mi, 1,289 km) with 45-minute reserve, 55% power, at 12,000 feet (3,700 m)
- Service ceiling: 13,500 ft (4,100 m)
- Rate of climb: 721 ft/min (3.66 m/s)
- Wing loading: 14.1 lb/sq ft (68.6 kg/m2)
Photo: Textron Aviation
In conclusion
The Cessna 172 is the most successful aircraft in history. The first was built in 1956 and by 2015, Cessna had built over 44,000 of the aircraft. It is still in production today as a light general aviation aircraft, even though production was halted between 1986 and 1996. Its competitors are the Piper PA-28 Cherokee and the Diamond DA-40 Star.
The Cessna 172 is still the ultimate aircraft for learning how to fly and is reliable, reputable and durable. The aircraft is also an excellent choice for entry-level ownership for private owners. A new Cessna Skyhawk today would cost around $359,000 and a pre-owned one anything from $30,000 to $235,000. There is no doubt that its success will continue in future years and will maintain its place in history.