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1946-1986 Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Cessna 172 Skyhawk
1956 to present (likely 1968-1986 range based on tail silhouette) · High-wing light aircraft
Rarity Score
1/10 - Extremely Common (The 'Toyota Camry' of the skies)
Spot Difficulty
1/10 - Found at almost every municipal airport in the United States and Europe
Engine & Performance
Engine: Lycoming O-320 or O-360 horizontally opposed 4-cylinder, 150-180 hp
Transmission & Drivetrain: Fixed-pitch two-blade propeller (direct drive)
Performance: Cruise speed: 122 knots, Range: 696 nmi, Service ceiling: 13,500 ft, Stall speed: 47 knots
Exterior
High-wing monoplane with tricycle landing gear, single engine, and a distinctive swept-back vertical stabilizer
Interior Features
Four-seat configuration, analog 'six-pack' gauges or early Garmin avionics, dual yoke controls
Condition Assessment
Good (Appears airworthy and in controlled flight)
Condition Issues: None visible from distance, though airframes of this age require frequent corrosion checks
Estimated Mileage: 3,000 - 10,000 airframe hours
Historical Significance
Most produced aircraft in history; the definitive flight trainer and general aviation staple for over 60 years
Notable Features
High-wing design providing excellent ground visibility and 'stable' flight characteristics for students
Production Numbers
Over 44,000 units built since 1956
Valuation
Estimated Market Value: $125,000 - $350,000 USD
Auction Estimate: $110,000 - $300,000 USD
Maintenance Recommendations
100-hour and annual inspections, Lycoming TBO (Time Between Overhaul) every 2,000 hours
Fun Facts
In 1958, a Cessna 172 set the world record for longest flight, staying airborne for 64 days without landing. It is the most produced machine in human history that isn't a car or a firearm. German pilot Mathias Rust famously landed a 172 in Moscow's Red Square in 1987.
Identified on: 7/4/2026
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