Cessna 172RG Cutlass

The Cessna 172RG Cutlass is a rare, high‑performance variant of the iconic Cessna 172 family, introduced by Cessna in 1983 as part of the company's effort to blend the simplicity of a four‑seat trainer with the speed of a light sport aircraft. Only 162 units were built before production ended in 1990, making the Cutlass a collector’s item. Powered by a 210‑horsepower Lycoming IO‑540‑A4A5 engine driving a constant‑speed, three‑bladed McCauley propeller, it could cruise at 160 knots, a significant jump over the standard 172’s 122‑knot cruise. The aircraft featured retractable tricycle landing gear, a sleek all‑metal airframe, and an optional Garmin GNS‑430 navigation suite, providing both efficiency and modern avionics. Its high‑wing configuration retained excellent visibility and stable handling, while the increased power and reduced drag gave flight schools a platform for advanced training, including engine‑out procedures and retractable‑gear operations. The 172RG’s blend of trainer friendliness with sporty performance helped bridge the gap between basic trainers and more complex aircraft, influencing later designs such as the Cessna 182RG and reinforcing Cessna’s reputation for versatile, reliable general‑aviation aircraft. Its legacy endures as a benchmark for performance trainers today.