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Cessna 172 Skyhawk: specs, V-speeds and real costs

The Cessna 172S Skyhawk is a four-seat, high-wing trainer with a 180-hp Lycoming IO-360. Its POH gives a 124 KTAS cruise on about 10 gallons per hour and stall speeds of 48 KIAS clean and 40 KIAS with full flaps; Textron lists 878 lb of useful load. US schools rent one for about $165 an hour wet.

Renzo Madueño, former Airbus A320 First Officer (Avianca), FAA commercial pilot
Former Airbus A320 First Officer (Avianca), FAA commercial pilot
Last reviewed
Checked against the 172S POH, FAA TCDS 3A12 and Textron's spec sheet
3D illustration of a white Cessna 172 Skyhawk with blue stripes: high wing with one strut per side, fixed tricycle landing gear and a two-blade propeller
IllustrationAI-generated 3D illustration of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk (high wing, wing struts, fixed tricycle gear). Not a photo of a specific aircraft.

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124 KTAS

Cruise, 75% power

172S POH

~10 gal/hr

Fuel burn, 75% power

172S POH

878 lb

Useful load

Textron

$165/hr

Median rental, wet

15 US schools

Cessna 172 cockpit starter kit

Most 172 readers are either training, renting, or buying their first GA airplane. These are the practical basics that fit that mission.

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Cessna 172 specifications

Figures are for the 172S Skyhawk SP, the model in production since 1998 and the one most US schools fly. Each value carries the document it comes from; older models are in the by-model table.

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP specifications
Dimensions
Wingspan36 ft 1 in (11.0 m)[TXT, POH]
Length27 ft 2 in (8.28 m)[TXT, POH]
Height8 ft 11 in (2.72 m)[TXT, POH]
Wing area174 sq ft (16.2 m²)[TXT, POH]
Seats4[TCDS]
Engine
EngineLycoming IO-360-L2A, fuel injected[TCDS]
Power180 hp at 2,700 rpm[TCDS]
PropellerTwo-blade, fixed pitch[POH]
Weights and fuel
Max takeoff weight2,550 lb (1,157 kg)[TCDS, POH]Normal category. Utility category: 2,200 lb. Max ramp 2,558 lb.
Empty weight1,680 lb[TXT, POH]Textron, current equipment. The 2004 POH sample airplane is 1,663 lb; yours is on its weight and balance record.
Useful load878 lb[TXT, POH]Textron. 895 lb for the 2004 POH sample airplane.
Fuel capacity56 gal total, 53 gal usable[TCDS, POH]
Baggage120 lb area A + 50 lb area B, 120 lb combined[TCDS]
CG range35.0 to 47.3 in aft of datum[TCDS]Forward limit 41.0 in at 2,550 lb.
Performance (2,550 lb, standard day)
Max speed126 KTAS[POH]Sea level, full throttle.
Cruise speed124 KTAS[POH, TXT]75% power at 8,500 ft (Textron's headline cruise figure).
Fuel burnAbout 10 gal/hr[POH, AOPA]75% power at 8,000 ft per the POH cruise chart; AOPA's 1998 flight test measured 9.5 gal/hr at 75%.
Range518 nm at 75% power / 638 nm at 45%[POH, TXT]8,500 ft and 10,000 ft, 45-minute reserve. Textron rounds the long-range figure to 640 nm.
Rate of climb730 ft/min[POH, TXT]Sea level.
Service ceiling14,000 ft[POH, TXT]
Takeoff distance960 ft ground roll / 1,630 ft over 50 ft[POH, TXT]
Landing distance575 ft ground roll / 1,335 ft over 50 ft[POH, TXT]
Max demonstrated crosswind15 kt[POH]A demonstrated value, not a limitation.

Sources

Performance figures are for 2,550 lb, standard day, from the 172S POH Section 5. A hot day or a high field can add 40% or more to the takeoff roll: work out density altitude before you go.

Plan with your own numbers: the density altitude calculator and the fuel burn calculator take your field elevation and temperature.

Cessna 172 V-speeds

The arcs below are drawn from the 172S POH airspeed indicator markings, so they match the gauge (or the G1000 speed tape) in the airplane. One correction to a number repeated all over the internet: 110 KIAS is the flap limit only up to 10°. From 10° to 30° the limit is 85 KIAS, the top of the white arc.

Cessna 172S airspeed indicator markings: white arc 40-85 KIAS, green arc 48-129 KIAS, yellow arc 129-163 KIAS, red line 163 KIAS406080100120140160180AIRSPEEDKNOTSCESSNA 172S
  • White arc 40-85 KIASFlap operating range (Vs0 to Vfe, full flaps)
  • Green arc 48-129 KIASNormal operating range (Vs1 to Vno)
  • Yellow arc 129-163 KIASCaution range: smooth air only
  • Red line 163 KIASVne, never exceed
Vr (rotate)
55 KIAS
Lift the nose wheel (normal takeoff)
Vx
62 KIAS
Best angle of climb, sea level
Vy
74 KIAS
Best rate of climb, sea level
Best glide
68 KIAS
Engine failure, 2,550 lb
Va
105 KIAS
Maneuvering, 2,550 lb (98 at 2,200, 90 at 1,900)
Vfe
110 / 85 KIAS
Flaps 10° / flaps 10°-30°
Vno
129 KIAS
Max structural cruising
Vne
163 KIAS
Never exceed
Vs1
48 KIAS
Stall, flaps up
Vs0
40 KIAS
Stall, flaps 30°
Cessna 172S airspeed indicator markings and V-speeds (KIAS, 2,550 lb). The needle sits at Vy, 74 KIAS. Diagram drawn from the POH, not a photo. Open as image

Sources

Approach speeds from the same POH: 65-75 KIAS with flaps up, 60-70 KIAS with flaps 30°, and 61 KIAS for a short-field landing. These are exactly the numbers a private pilot written exam question or a checkride examiner will ask you to read off the airspeed indicator.

Cessna 172 V-speeds by model year

Flight schools fly everything from 1970s 172Ns to new 172S airplanes, and the speeds are not the same. Use the column that matches the POH in your airplane.

Cessna 172 V-speeds and limits by model
KIAS unless noted172S (1998-)172R (1997-)172P (1981-86)172N (1977-79)
Engine180 hp160 hp160 hp160 hp
Max takeoff weight (lb)2,5502,4502,4002,300
Vx626060n/a*
Vy74797673
Best glide68656565
Va at max weight105999997
Vfe110 (10°) / 85110 (10°) / 85110 (10°) / 8585 (40° flaps)
Vno (top of green)129129127128
Vne (red line)163163158160
White arc40-8533-8533-8541-85
Green arc48-12944-12944-12747-128

Sources

172N values from the 1977 POH; the 1980 172N has Vne 158 and Vno 127. *Vx is unreadable in the 1977 172N handbook copy we checked, so we do not print it. Always fly the numbers in the POH for your airplane's serial number.

Cessna 172 fuel burn and range

A 172S burns about 10 gallons per hour at 75% power (the POH cruise chart at 8,000 ft works out to roughly 10.2 gal/hr at 124 KTAS). AOPA's 1998 flight test of the Skyhawk SP measured 9.5 gal/hr at 75%. Training flights with lots of pattern work usually burn less per hour; a full-rich climb burns more.

Range from the same POH, with a 45-minute reserve and no wind: 518 nm at 75% power and 8,500 ft, and 638 nm at 45% power and 10,000 ft. The 150-160 hp 172s found at many schools typically burn about 8 gal/hr.

How much it costs to rent a Cessna 172

We read the published rate sheets of 30 US schools and flying clubs on October 3, 2026. For a round-gauge 172 the median was $165 an hour wet; glass-cockpit G1000 Skyhawks were listed between $175 and $209.

Cessna 172 rental rates, US, October 2026
Cessna 172, round gauges$165/hr medianRange $105-$215 wet across 15 schools and clubs (one per operator). Schools only: $150-$215.
Cessna 172 with G1000$175-$209/hr5 operators; most sheets do not say wet or dry, so confirm fuel.
Cessna 152 (for comparison)$137.50/hr medianRange $115-$168 wet, 6 operators.
Piper PA-28 Archer (for comparison)$160/hr medianRange $123.50-$260 wet, 7 operators.

Aircraft only, US dollars per flight hour, from published rate sheets read October 3, 2026. “Wet” means the sheet says fuel is included. Some clubs bill tach time (10-15% fewer hours than Hobbs) and add monthly dues. Instructor time is billed on top: $50-$125 per hour on the same rate sheets, about $80 typical.

Schools and clubs in the sample

Budgeting a whole certificate? See the private pilot license cost guide.

Weight and balance

Textron lists a useful load of 878 lb for a current 172S. Full usable fuel, 53 gallons at 6 lb per gallon, weighs 318 lb, which leaves about 560 lb for people and baggage. Four 180-lb adults weigh 720 lb, so with four aboard you carry roughly 26 gallons (158 lb), not full tanks.

The normal-category CG range runs from 35.0 to 47.3 inches aft of the datum, with the forward limit at 41.0 inches at 2,550 lb. Baggage area A takes 120 lb and area B 50 lb, but no more than 120 lb in total. Heavy bags far aft move the CG toward the aft limit. Use your airplane's actual empty weight and moment from its weight and balance record, never the brochure figure.

2,550 lb
Max takeoff weight
878 lb
Useful load (Textron)
~560 lb
Payload with full fuel

Calculate your W&B: the Weight & Balance Calculator has Cessna 172 presets and plots your CG on the envelope.

History and variants

The 172 first flew in 1955 as a tricycle-gear version of the Cessna 170 and entered production for the 1956 model year. Textron Aviation said in June 2025 that more than 45,000 had been delivered.

Cessna 172 variants timeline
Year / modelWhat changed
1956172Tricycle-gear development of the Cessna 170. Continental O-300, 145 hp, straight vertical tail.
1960172ASwept vertical tail.
1963172DCut-down rear fuselage with the wraparound Omni-Vision rear window.
1968172ISwitch to the Lycoming O-320-E2D, 150 hp.
1973172MDrooped wing leading edge (Camber-Lift) for gentler low-speed handling.
1977172NLycoming O-320-H2AD, 160 hp; flaps to 40°; max takeoff weight 2,300 lb.
1977R172K Hawk XPContinental IO-360-K, 195 hp, constant-speed propeller.
1981172PLycoming O-320-D2J, flaps limited to 30°, 2,400 lb.
1986-96Production pauseCessna stopped building piston singles until product-liability reform (GARA, 1994).
1997172RFuel-injected Lycoming IO-360-L2A rated 160 hp, 2,450 lb.
1998172S Skyhawk SPSame engine rated 180 hp at 2,700 rpm, 2,550 lb. Still in production.
2005172S NAV IIIGarmin G1000 glass cockpit (POH original issue February 2005).
2017172S G1000 NXiTextron moves the piston line, including the 172, to the G1000 NXi.

Why schools train in the Cessna 172

Forgiving stall

A clear buffet before the break and a conventional recovery. Stall speeds of 48 KIAS clean and 40 KIAS with full flaps give students a wide margin.

High-wing view

Nothing blocks the view of the ground below, which helps with ground-reference maneuvers and pattern work.

Tricycle gear

No ground-loop tendency, so taxiing and crosswind landings are easier while rudder skills develop. Demonstrated crosswind: 15 kt.

Parts and mechanics

With more than 45,000 built, parts and mechanics who know the type are everywhere, which keeps downtime short.

Two doors

One door per side makes entry, exit and instructor swaps easier than single-door low-wing trainers.

Strong resale

Constant demand from schools and clubs keeps used values firm.

New to all this? Start with how to become a pilot. When you are ready for the written, the PPL exam prep drills the same questions the FAA test asks, and the All-5 Exam Bundle ($39) covers PPL, IFR, Commercial, ATP and Part 107.

Cost to buy and own a Cessna 172

Rough asking-price ranges seen in 2025-2026 listings, not appraisals. Engine time, avionics and damage history move a specific airplane far outside these bands; get a pre-buy inspection and a current price guide before you offer.

Cessna 172 used price ranges
Era / modelAsking priceNotes
1960s-1970s models$40,000 - $80,000Older avionics; engine time drives the price.
1980s (172P)$70,000 - $120,000Good value with a mid-time engine and clean logs.
1997-2004 (172R/S)$120,000 - $200,000Fuel injection, newer airframe, round gauges.
2005-2015 (172S G1000)$180,000 - $280,000Glass cockpit; strong demand from schools.
2018 and newer (G1000 NXi)$250,000 and upNear-new; ADS-B and NXi avionics.

Operating cost (owner, 100-150 hours a year)

Cessna 172 operating costs
ItemCostNotes
Fuel (about 10 gal/hr at 75% power)$55 - $70/hrAt $5.50-$7.00 per gallon of 100LL
Oil$2 - $4/hrOil and filter change every 50 hours
Engine reserve$20 - $30/hrLycoming's recommended TBO for the IO-360-L2A is 2,000 hours
Annual inspection$1,500 - $3,000/yrMore if squawks are found
Insurance$1,500 - $4,000/yrDepends on pilot experience, hull value and use
Hangar or tiedown$200 - $800/moHangared airplanes keep their value better
Rental instead of owning$165/hr median, wetMeasured on 15 US rate sheets, October 2026 (see the rental table)

Plan your fuel costs: the Fuel Burn Calculator turns distance, power setting and the local avgas price into dollars.

Common issues and maintenance

Nose gear shimmy

A worn shimmy dampener is common on high-use trainers. It is an inexpensive part, but severe shimmy can damage the nose gear and firewall, so do not defer it.

Exhaust system cracks

Muffler and exhaust cracks from heat cycling are a carbon monoxide risk. Inspect them carefully at every annual and carry a CO detector.

Seat rail AD (AD 2011-10-09)

A seat that slips aft on takeoff has caused fatal accidents. Make sure the locking pins fully engage before every flight and pull on the seat to check.

Fuel selector valve leaks

Older 172s can leak at the selector between the pilot's legs. A fuel smell in the cabin is a reason to land.

Magneto wear

Magnetos need periodic inspection; impulse-coupling problems show up as hard starting. Some owners switch to electronic ignition by STC.

172N camshaft and lifter wear

The O-320-H2AD in the 1977-80 172N had well-known cam and lifter problems. Many have been converted to the O-320-D2J by STC; check the engine logbook.

Flap motor and actuator

Electric flaps can get slow or stop. Lubrication of the flap tracks and actuator at inspections extends their life.

Vacuum pump failure

Dry vacuum pumps fail without warning, taking the attitude and heading indicators with them in round-gauge airplanes. In the G1000 172S the vacuum system drives only the standby attitude indicator.

Pre-buy tip: have an independent A&P/IA inspect any used 172 before you buy: compressions, oil analysis history, corrosion and AD compliance.

Cessna 172 vs Cessna 152 vs Piper PA-28

The three airplanes most US students train in, with the same definitions for each number.

Side by side

Cessna 152 vs Cessna 172 vs Piper PA-28 Archer

Cessna 152

1978-85, 110 hp

Seats
2
Max takeoff weight
1,670 lb
Cruise speed
107 KTAS
Usable fuel
24.5 gal
Demo crosswind
12 kt
Median rental, wet
$137.50/hr
Cessna 172

172S, 180 hp

Seats
4
Max takeoff weight
2,550 lb
Cruise speed
124 KTAS
Usable fuel
53 gal
Demo crosswind
15 kt
Median rental, wet
$165/hr
Piper PA-28

Archer, 180 hp

Seats
4
Max takeoff weight
2,550 lb
Cruise speed
128 KTAS*
Usable fuel
48 gal
Demo crosswind
17 kt
Median rental, wet
$160/hr
Bars are relative to the largest of the three. Cessna 152 guide · Cessna 172 guide · Piper PA-28 guide · Open as image

Sources

*Piper publishes 128 KTAS as the Archer LX maximum cruise speed; Cessna figures are 75% power at 8,000-8,500 ft. Rental medians: 6 (C152), 15 (C172) and 7 (Archer) US operators, wet rates.

Piper PA-28 (Warrior, Archer)

Pros: Low wing, wide gear stance, 17 kt demonstrated crosswind on the Archer, similar rental price.

Cons: Single door on the right side; less view of the ground in turns.

Diamond DA40

Pros: Composite airframe, large canopy, modern avionics.

Cons: Fewer airplanes and mechanics outside big schools; parts are dearer.

Cirrus SR20

Pros: Parachute (CAPS), side-stick, faster.

Cons: Much more expensive to rent and insure.

Cessna 152

Pros: Cheapest to rent ($137.50 median), simple.

Cons: Two seats and 1,670 lb max weight: tight for two larger adults.

Choosing between the two most common four-seaters? Read Piper Archer vs Cessna 172, and practice crosswind numbers with the crosswind calculator.

Cessna 172 weight & balance, on your iPhone

Rotate E6B Flight Computer ships with a Cessna 172S profile: enter seats, fuel and baggage and it plots your CG inside the envelope, offline, with every step of the math shown. Swap the sample numbers for your airplane’s POH and weighing report. You are on a computer now, so we will send the App Store link to your email — open it on your phone.

One email with the link, nothing else. Or see it on the App Store. Free download. Wind triangle, crosswind, time/speed/distance, fuel and conversions are free for good; weight & balance, density altitude, TAS and the FAA practice set are a $9.99 one-time unlock. No subscription.

Gear for the Cessna 172

The kit that actually rides along in a Cessna 172 — picked from what trainers and owners already use.

New to flying? See our best budget aviation headsets under $300

Cessna 172 FAQ

What are the Cessna 172 V-speeds?

For the 172S (1998 onward) the POH gives: rotate 55 KIAS, Vx 62, Vy 74, best glide 68, Va 105 at 2,550 lb (98 at 2,200 lb, 90 at 1,900 lb), Vfe 110 with 10° of flap and 85 from 10° to 30°, Vno 129, Vne 163, stall 48 clean and 40 with full flaps. Older 172s differ: a 172P has Vy 76 and Vne 158, a 172N Vy 73 and Vne 160.

How much fuel does a Cessna 172 burn per hour?

About 10 gallons per hour at 75% power for a 180-hp 172S, according to the POH cruise chart at 8,000 ft; AOPA's 1998 flight test measured 9.5 gal/hr at 75%. Older 150-160 hp Skyhawks typically burn around 8 gal/hr. Plan with your airplane's POH and add taxi, climb and reserve fuel.

How much does it cost to rent a Cessna 172?

On the published rate sheets we read on October 3, 2026, a round-gauge Cessna 172 rented for $105 to $215 an hour wet, with a median of $165 across 15 US schools and clubs. G1000 Skyhawks were listed at $175 to $209. A flight instructor costs extra, $50 to $125 an hour on the same sheets.

How fast does a Cessna 172 fly?

A 172S cruises at 124 knots true airspeed (about 143 mph) at 75% power and 8,500 ft, and its top speed is 126 KTAS at sea level. Its never-exceed speed is 163 KIAS. Older 150-160 hp models cruise a little slower.

How far can a Cessna 172 fly?

With 53 usable gallons, the 172S POH gives 518 nautical miles at 75% power at 8,500 ft and 638 nm at 45% power at 10,000 ft, both with a 45-minute reserve and no wind. Real-world legs are shorter once you add winds and taxi and climb fuel.

What is the useful load of a Cessna 172?

Textron lists 878 lb for a current 172S. Full usable fuel (53 gal at 6 lb/gal) weighs 318 lb, which leaves about 560 lb for people and bags. Four adults and full tanks usually do not fit, so run a weight and balance for every flight using your airplane's actual empty weight.

What is the max crosswind for a Cessna 172?

The maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity in the 172S POH is 15 knots. It is the highest crosswind tested during certification, not a structural limit, but many schools set it as the student solo limit or lower.

What is the stall speed of a Cessna 172?

For a 172S at 2,550 lb the POH lists 48 KIAS with flaps up and 40 KIAS with flaps 30°, wings level. Those are the bottoms of the green and white arcs on the airspeed indicator. Stall speed rises with bank angle and weight.

How many Cessna 172s have been built?

Textron Aviation said in June 2025, at the type's 70th anniversary, that more than 45,000 Skyhawks had been delivered, more than any other airplane.

Cessna 172 vs Piper PA-28: which is better for training?

Both are four-seat, fixed-gear trainers with similar costs. The 172 is a high-wing airplane with a door on each side and an easier view of the ground; the PA-28 is a low-wing airplane with a single door, a wider stance and, on the Archer, 17 kt of demonstrated crosswind. Rental prices are close: $165 versus $160 median in our sample. Train in whichever your school keeps best maintained and most available.

Compare the aircraft guides

Same format in every guide: spec tables with their sources, V-speeds from the POH and rental costs measured on real rate sheets.

Related tools and guides

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