| The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most popular plane | | | | and rudder. However, the Cessna 172B, which arrived |
| that Cessna has ever produced. The first prototype | | | | in late 1960, introduced a shorter undercarriage and |
| of the 172 was flown in 1955 and production began | | | | other equipment changes. Then, the Skyhawk name |
| for the craft in 1956. The normal cruising speed for a | | | | was first introduced for the deluxe version which |
| fixed-gear 172 ranges from about 105 to 125 knots, | | | | was produced after the 172B. |
| depending on the engine and vintage. The Cessna 172 | | | | The engine used on the type of Cessna 172 which |
| was a new idea by Cessna which they were hoping | | | | was produced from 1955 to 1967 was the six |
| would be popular with the public. The plane was an | | | | cylinder Continental O-300. Afterward, this engine |
| overnight success though, with sales reaching 1,400 in | | | | was replaced by the four cylinder Lycoming O-320. |
| its first year, 1956. The official production estimate of | | | | The equipment and the instruments used were |
| the Cessna 172 Skyhawk is between 35,000 to | | | | analog, but currently Cessna is going to be introducing |
| 43,000 aircraft. | | | | into their planes the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit |
| The basic Cessna 172 Skyhawk remained in | | | | which is reported to be the new way forward with |
| production until being replaced by the Cessna 172A in | | | | airplane avionics and equipment. |
| early 1960. The 172A introduced a swept back tail | | | | |