Cessna 172

Cessna 172 Description

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft with a high fixed wing that has played a significant role in aviation history. It was first flown in 1955 and has remained popular for nearly seven decades.

History of the Cessna 172
The Cessna Aircraft Company, now known as the Textron Aviation Company, built the first production models of the Cessna 172 in 1956. The aircraft was named the Skyhawk and quickly became popular as it was used in most pilot training facilities across the United States for decades. More than 50% of the world's pilots started their training in the Cessna 172, and it remains a popular aircraft for flight training and personal use.

Technical Specifications of the Cessna 172
The first production Cessna 172 Skyhawk was equipped with a Continental O-300 145 hp (108 kW) six-cylinder, air-cooled engine and had a maximum gross weight of 2,200 lb (998 kg). The introductory base price of the Cessna 172 was US $8,995, and a total of 4,195 were constructed over its first five years in production. Since then, several variants have been developed, including the 172S, all with high wings.

The 172S, introduced in 1998, features a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine with 180hp.
The Cessna 172 is known for its endurance and popularity, making it the most successful aircraft in history. While it may not be the best aircraft at any one thing, it has proven to be an exceptional performer and has consistently delivered customer satisfaction. To date, Cessna has produced built more than 44,000 Cessna 172 aircraft, cementing its place in aviation history.

Cost of a Cessna 172
The price of a Cessna 172 can vary widely. Factors such as the the aircraft's age, the amount of time it has flown, as well as the modifications and maintenance of the aircraft can impact price. An aircraft that cost north of $10,000 some 50 years ago could be valued at 10 times that amount today if it has low time, upgraded avionics and engine or propeller modifications.

Many aircraft owners over the years have listed their new or used Cessna 172 for sale on GlobalAir.com. As of early 2024, the average price for a used Cessna Skyhawk hovers around $100,000.
The price of a new Cessna 172, as of this writing, is around $400,000.

Features of a New Cessna 172
In the summer of 2023, Textron Aviation - which manufactures Cessna aircraft - announced it is developing new paint and interior options for its high-wing piston aircraft, including the Skyhawk.
Outfitted with Garmin G1000 avionics in its advanced glass cockpit, while it carrys the same DNA of older tried and true Cessna Skyhawks, the modern Cessna 172 will come equipped with features such as power headset jacks and USB charging ports at every seat.

The Cessna 172 on GlobalAir.com
GlobalAir.com is a platform that offers information on the Cessna 172 and other aircraft. We provide a comprehensive listing of Cessna 172 aircraft for sale, as well as resources such as articles, videos, and news related to the aircraft.

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk has played a significant role in aviation history and continues to be a popular aircraft for flight training and personal use. Its enduring popularity and reliability make it a favorite among pilots as it remains a fixture in the aviation world.

Read more about the Cessna 172 Skyhawk:

5 reasons the Cessna 172 is the best Cessna for beginners

The 7 differences between a Cessna 152 and Cessna 172

What you need to know - Cessna 172 emergency procedures

Choosing your trainer - 3 big advantages to training in a Cessna 172