Cessna 172S Skyhawk

Overview

The Cessna 172S Skyhawk is a four-seat, fixed-gear, single-engine land airplane used frequently for primary training, local proficiency work, and personal travel. The 172S configuration is defined here rather than treated as a generic 172. Its 180 hp Lycoming IO-360-L2A installation, 2,550 lb maximum weight, and published speed schedule are specific to this model basis.

The high-wing layout gives the cabin a useful view of the ground during circuit work and navigation exercises. The fixed tricycle landing gear removes retractable-gear system management from the normal training workload. That does not make every 172 interchangeable. Avionics, optional equipment, serial range, and the aircraft's individual weight and balance record still govern a particular airplane.

Performance

The published cruise figure of 122 kt and range figure of 638 nm are book values, not guarantees for a specific trip. They describe the stated configuration under the conditions and power setting used by the source. Mixture technique, altitude, temperature, wind, loading, and the condition of the airframe can move the result materially.

The 172S climb schedule illustrates the difference between a speed chosen for a purpose and a speed that simply looks faster. VX 62 KIAS favors altitude gained over horizontal distance, while VY 74 KIAS favors the greatest rate of altitude gain. The POH performance charts remain the authority for a particular weight, pressure altitude, and temperature combination. Use the density altitude calculator as a study aid, then compare the result with the current POH chart.

V-speeds

The 172S speed schedule includes VNE 163 KIAS, VNO 129 KIAS, and VA 105 KIAS at maximum weight. Maneuvering speed changes with weight, so the maximum weight value should not be carried unchanged into a lighter loading condition. Flap operation is limited by VFE 85 KIAS for the stated source basis.

These values are references to the named document, not substitutes for the placards and current POH in the airplane. The glossary pages for VX, VY, and VA explain the terms without changing the model-specific limits here.

Weight and balance

The published useful load of 818 lb is the difference between the stated gross weight and the example empty weight basis in the source. It is not a promise that every 172S has that payload available. Installed avionics, optional equipment, repairs, and the current equipment list change empty weight and center of gravity.

A full-fuel loading exercise is where the 172S becomes concrete. The stated 56 gal capacity represents a substantial portion of the available load, leaving less room for four occupants and baggage than the seat count suggests. Run the actual aircraft's empty weight, arm, fuel quantity, occupants, and baggage through a current weight and balance record. The weight and balance calculator is a reference aid, not an operational release.

Training notes

The 172S suits training syllabi that benefit from a fixed-gear platform and a straightforward four-seat cabin. The high-wing sight picture is useful during ground reference lessons, while the 180 hp engine and published climb speeds give students a distinct example of how density altitude and loading affect performance. Schools should still teach the exact avionics, checklist, and POH procedures of the assigned aircraft rather than relying on the model name alone.

Variants

The 172R and 172S share the 172 family name but do not share every number. The 172R's 160 hp installation changes the performance basis. Later 172SP aircraft can also differ in equipment and documentation. A variant page should be created when a separate POH and meaningful data set justify it.

Sources

The structured values on this page are tied to the Cessna 172S NAV III Information Manual, Section 9, on the 2004 model basis, with model context from FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A12. Confirm the applicable revision, serial range, and aircraft records before using any figure.