Cessna 172M Skyhawk

The Cessna 172M Skyhawk, introduced in 1968, represents the seventh major variant of Cessna’s famed four‑seat, single‑engine light aircraft line that began with the Model 172 in 1955. Built at the company’s Wichita, Kansas plant, the 172M incorporated a more powerful 150‑horsepower Lycoming O‑320‑E engine, a redesigned metal cabin floor and an updated instrument panel that eased pilot workload. Structurally, the aircraft retained the high‑wing, all‑metal airframe with a fixed tricycle landing gear, providing excellent visibility, forgiving handling and low operating costs that made it a favorite in flight‑training schools worldwide. The 172M’s fuel capacity of 43 gallons and cruising speed of roughly 122 knots gave it a respectable range for cross‑country trips, while its robust design allowed easy maintenance and long service life. Over the decades the 172 series has logged more flight hours than any other airplane, and the 172M helped cement that record by combining reliability with modest performance. Its impact on general aviation is profound: it democratized personal flying, trained generations of pilots, and set a benchmark for safety and economy that continues to influence light aircraft design today.

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