Cessna Skyhawk 172/Cutlass

Single Piston· 20,154 globally registered

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk holds the distinction of being the most-produced aircraft in history, with more than 44,000 airframes delivered since its introduction in 1956. Built by Cessna Aircraft Company as a four-seat, high-wing trainer and personal aircraft, the 172 became the backbone of flight training worldwide and remains in continuous production today, a manufacturing run spanning nearly seven decades. Its docile handling, forgiving stall characteristics, and rugged tricycle landing gear made it the default choice for ab-initio pilot training across six continents, and its ubiquity means more pilots have logged their first solo in a 172 than any other type. The Skyhawk's operating envelope is modest but practical: powered by a Lycoming O-320 or O-360 four-cylinder engine producing 150 to 180 horsepower, it cruises at around 120 knots, stalls at 40 knots in landing configuration, and has a never-exceed speed of 163 knots. Maximum takeoff weight is 2,550 pounds, and typical range is 500 to 600 nautical miles with reserves. The aircraft's simplicity (fixed landing gear, fixed-pitch or constant-speed propeller, manual flight controls) keeps operating costs low and maintenance straightforward, which explains its enduring popularity among flight schools, flying clubs, and private owners. While the 172 will never set speed or altitude records, its reliability and ease of operation have made it the most successful general aviation aircraft ever built. SkyMeter has tracked 100,306 flights across 9,376 airframes and 5,246 operators, with CHRISTIANSEN AVIATION LLC the largest observed operator.