Cessna 172 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Cessna 172M
Role	Civil utility aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Cessna Aircraft Company
Introduction	1956
Number built	43,000+
Unit cost	172 US$8,700 (1956) 172R US$$274,900 (2012) 172S US$307,500 (2012)
Developed from	Cessna 170
Variants	T-41 Mescalero

The Cessna 172 is a very popular small airplane. It is also known as the Skyhawk. This plane has only one engine and can carry up to four people, including the pilot. It is one of the best-selling airplanes in the world, with over 43,000 built! The Cessna Aircraft Company makes these planes.

A Plane for Everyone

The Cessna 172 is famous for being easy to fly. This makes it a favorite for flight schools and pilots learning to fly. It's also great for personal travel or short trips. Its simple design and reliable performance have made it a true aviation icon.

How the Cessna 172 Changed

Over the years, the Cessna 172 has had some updates.

• From 1956 to 1967, it used a Continental six-cylinder piston engine.
• Starting in 1968, the 172 began using a Lycoming four-cylinder piston engine. This change helped improve the plane's performance.

Many different versions of the Cessna 172 have been made. Each new model often brought small improvements. These changes made the plane even better and more comfortable for pilots and passengers.

Notable Flights

One famous flight involving a Cessna 172 happened in 1987. A young pilot named Mathias Rust flew his Cessna F172P from Helsinki, Finland, all the way to Moscow, Russia. This was a very unusual flight because he landed near Red Square, a highly protected area. His plane is now on display at the German Museum of Technology in Berlin.

More About the Skyhawk

The Cessna 172 is known for its "high-wing" design. This means the wings are attached to the top of the plane's body. This design gives pilots a great view of the ground below. It also makes the plane very stable in the air.

This airplane has been in production for many decades. It continues to be a top choice for pilots around the globe. Its long history and widespread use show how important the Cessna 172 is in aviation.

Images for kids

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  A 1960 Cessna 172A

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  Early Cessna 172s, like this 1957 model, had a "fastback" rear cabin with no rear window and featured a "square" fin design.

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  The record-setting 1958-built Cessna 172

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  1956 Cessna 172, Toowoomba, Australia, 2010

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  Cessna 172B

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  1963 Cessna 172D

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  1964 Cessna 172F

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  1966 Cessna F172G

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  The 1968-built Cessna 172I introduced the Lycoming O-320-E2D engine of 150 hp (112 kW).

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  1969 model-year Cessna 172K, built in 1968

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  1971 Cessna 172L at Kemble Airfield, England, 2003

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  1977 Cessna 172M

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  1979 Cessna 172N Skyhawk in 2019

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  Cessna 172P

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  Cessna 172S Skyhawk

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  Cessna 172RG Cutlass

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  1977 Cessna R172K Hawk XP

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  1977 model R172K Hawk XP on Wipline amphibious floats

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  Irish Air Corps Reims FR.172H Rocket

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  Iraqi Air Force Cessna 172 lands at Kirkuk Air Base

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  Mathias Rust's Cessna F172P, used in his flight from Helsinki to Moscow, on display at the German Museum of Technology, Berlin

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  Cessna 172R instrument panel

See also

• 172guide.com – A helpful guide about all models of the Cessna 172 airplane.

In Spanish: Cessna 172 para niños