Based on sales, the Cessna 172 line is the most popular civil aircraft ever made. There were nearly 36,000 built and delivered from 1956 until production stopped in 1986 with the Cessna 172P. Production was resumed in 1998 and the three current models are the Cessna 172R, 172SP & 172TD.
The 1949 Cessna 170 tail dragger was the forerunner of the Cessna 172, and nearly every other Cessna single. As time went on, weights increased and power went up. In 1968, the engine switched from a Continental to a Lycoming. A 160 hp Lycoming powers the current production version Cessna 172R, and a 180 hp Lycoming powers the Cessna 172SP. The higher power of the SP gives the Cessna 172SP better performance, especially on hot days or at higher altitudes.
The Model 172 is stable and easy to fly. Comfort for the pilot and three passengers is good and maintenance is basic and straightforward. As with others in this category, loading the aircraft with optional avionics reduces the useful load.
The Garmin G1000 glass cockpit with two large LCD displays became standard equipment in 2005.
