Cessna 172M Skyhawk

Cessna · United States · first flew 1973 · light aircraft

The Cessna 172M Skyhawk is a specific production variant of the world's most-built aircraft, produced between 1973 and 1976, featuring a swept tailfin and conical camber leading edges. The 172 family has trained more pilots than any other aircraft type.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.28 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Four-seat high-wing trainer with tricycle gear
Lycoming O-320 flat-four engine
Large swept back vertical fin typical of 1970s 172

Classic high-wing four-seater with the swept vertical tail, wide cabin, and fixed tricycle undercarriage; the 172M is virtually indistinguishable from neighbouring variants to the casual observer.

Specifications

The Cessna 172M Skyhawk has a length of 8.28 m (27 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 226 km/h (140 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot, 3 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The 172M variant introduced the aerodynamically refined tailplane and leading-edge camber changes that became standard on the Skyhawk through the 1970s. Reims Aviation in France also produced the 172M as the F172M under licence. Production paused in 1986 but resumed in 1997, and the Skyhawk continues in production today.

Variants

The 172M was succeeded by the 172N, 172P, and the modern 172R/S with fuel-injected engines; Reims-built aircraft carry an 'F' prefix.

Where you'll see it

Used for primary flight training and personal transport globally; operated by flying schools, private owners, and small aero clubs on every continent.

Related aircraft

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