Cessna 172G Skyhawk

The Cessna 172G Skyhawk, part of the iconic 172 series, entered production in 1968 as the first “G” model and quickly became a benchmark for four‑seat, single‑engine trainers. Built by the American company Cessna Aircraft Company, the 172G incorporated a Lycoming O‑320‑E2D engine delivering 160 horsepower, a fixed tricycle landing gear, and a fully metal airframe with a high‑mounted wing that provides excellent visibility and stable handling. Its 36‑inch wide cabin, dual control yokes, and simple avionics made it the preferred platform for flight schools worldwide, while the addition of a dorsal fuel tank extended its range to over 600 nautical miles. The aircraft’s modest stall speed of 44 knots and forgiving flight characteristics contributed to an exemplary safety record, helping to train hundreds of thousands of pilots. Over its production run, more than 5,000 units of the 172G were delivered, cementing its role in general aviation and reinforcing Cessna’s reputation for reliable, affordable aircraft. Even after newer models replaced it, many 172G Skyhawks remain active in flight training, aerial photography, and personal transport, underscoring their lasting impact on aviation history.