Cessna 172

Single Piston

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most-produced aircraft in history, with over 44,000 built since its introduction in 1956, and remains the definitive trainer for aspiring pilots worldwide. Manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation), the high-wing, four-seat single-engine design has been in continuous production longer than any other aircraft, evolving through dozens of variants while retaining its forgiving flight characteristics and rugged simplicity. The CMAS designation typically denotes later-model 172s equipped with advanced avionics suites, often Garmin glass cockpits, representing the modern evolution of this iconic design. Powered by a Lycoming IO-360 engine producing 180 horsepower in current variants, the 172 cruises at around 122 knots and offers a range of approximately 640 nautical miles, making it ideal for flight training, personal transportation, and time-building. Its docile stall characteristics, wide speed envelope between 40-knot stall and 163-knot never-exceed, and excellent visibility from the cabin have made it the aircraft in which more people have learned to fly than any other type. The Skyhawk's operating costs remain among the lowest in general aviation, and its ubiquity ensures parts availability and instructor familiarity at virtually every airport in North America. SkyMeter has tracked 2 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with HEYRMAN VERNON J TRUSTEE, HEYRMAN CHERYL A TRUSTEE the largest observed operator.