salehunter.net The Cessna 172 Skyhawk isn’t just an airplane; it’s an icon. It’s the most successful mass-produced light aircraft in history, with over 44,000 built and counting. Its enduring popularity stems from a simple formula: it’s reliable, relatively easy to fly, and surprisingly affordable (at least in aviation terms). If you’re considering buying a Cessna 172, you’re joining a vast community of pilots who have learned to fly, traveled the country, and built countless memories in this remarkable machine. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what to consider when purchasing a used Cessna 172.
Why the Cessna 172 is so popular
The 172’s success isn’t accidental. Several factors contribute to its enduring appeal:
- Ease of Flight: The high-wing design provides excellent visibility and inherent stability, making it forgiving for student pilots and enjoyable for experienced ones. The control inputs are predictable and responsive, without being overly sensitive.
- Reliability: The Lycoming four-cylinder engine, a mainstay of the 172, is renowned for its dependability. With proper maintenance, these engines can run for thousands of hours before requiring overhaul.
- Availability of Parts and Maintenance: Because so many 172s have been built, parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Any qualified A&P mechanic can work on a 172, making maintenance straightforward.
- Versatility: While primarily a trainer, the 172 is also a capable cross-country aircraft. With a comfortable cruise speed and reasonable range, it can take you and your passengers on weekend adventures.
- Strong Resale Value: Due to its continued popularity, a well-maintained Cessna 172 holds its value remarkably well. This makes it a relatively low-risk investment compared to other aircraft.
Choosing the right model year: A history lesson
The Cessna 172 has seen numerous upgrades and changes throughout its production run. Here’s a brief overview of some key model years and their differences:
- 1956-1960 (Straight Tail): The original 172s featured a straight tail and a Continental O-300 engine. These are generally the most affordable, but they are older and may require more maintenance.
- 1961-1967 (Swept Tail): Cessna introduced the swept tail in 1961, improving aesthetics and slightly increasing performance. They also upgraded some interior features.
- 1968-1976 (Lycoming O-320): This era saw the introduction of the Lycoming O-320 engine, offering more horsepower and improved reliability. These models are highly sought after. The 172L introduced a longer, more conical spinner.
- 1977-1986 (172N, 172P): The 172N featured an improved O-320-H2AD engine, known for greater reliability. The 172P further refined the design. Note that some late N models had issues with the H2AD engine related to camshaft and lifter wear if not flown frequently or if oil changes were neglected.
- 1996-Present (172R, 172S): After a production hiatus, Cessna reintroduced the 172 with fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360 engines. The 172S “Skyhawk SP” offers a higher useful load and more standard features. These are the most modern and typically the most expensive.
The “best” model year depends on your budget and priorities. Older models offer affordability, while newer models provide modern avionics and potentially better performance. Do your research and decide what fits your needs best.
Pre-purchase inspection: Your most important investment
Before you hand over any money, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified A&P mechanic is absolutely essential. This is not the time to cut corners. The inspection should include:
- Airframe Inspection: Checking for corrosion, damage, and proper repairs. Pay close attention to areas like the wing spars, control surfaces, and landing gear.
- Engine Inspection: A compression test to assess the health of the cylinders, inspection for leaks, and a review of the engine logbooks.
- Avionics Inspection: Ensuring all radios, navigation equipment, and instruments are functioning correctly.
- Logbook Review: The aircraft’s logbooks are its life story. They should document all maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Look for any red flags, such as major repairs or periods of inactivity.
- Test Flight: Ideally, you should accompany the mechanic on a test flight to observe the aircraft’s performance firsthand.
A pre-purchase inspection might cost several hundred dollars, but it can save you thousands in the long run by uncovering potential problems before you buy.
Understanding running costs
Owning an airplane is not cheap. Beyond the initial purchase price, you need to budget for ongoing expenses, including:
- Annual Inspection: Required by the FAA, this inspection ensures the aircraft remains airworthy.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire replacements, is essential. Unforeseen repairs can also arise.
- Insurance: Aircraft insurance is necessary to protect you from liability and damage to the aircraft.
- Hangar or Tie-Down Fees: You’ll need a place to store your airplane, whether it’s in a hangar or tied down outdoors.
- Fuel: Aviation fuel (avgas) is typically more expensive than automotive gasoline.
- Engine Reserve: It’s wise to set aside money each month to cover the eventual cost of an engine overhaul.
These costs can vary depending on your location, usage, and the condition of the aircraft. Be realistic about your budget and factor in these expenses before you buy.
Avionics: From steam gauges to glass cockpits
The avionics in Cessna 172s can range from basic “steam gauges” (analog instruments) to sophisticated glass cockpits with GPS, autopilot, and digital displays. Your choice of avionics will significantly impact the price of the aircraft and your flying experience.
Older 172s often have basic VOR navigation and communication radios. While perfectly functional, these systems lack the advanced features of modern avionics. Many owners choose to upgrade their panels with GPS units, ADS-B transponders (required for flying in certain airspace), and other modern equipment.
Newer 172s, particularly the 172S, often come equipped with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits. These integrated systems provide a wealth of information, including moving maps, terrain awareness, and traffic alerts. However, they also add significantly to the purchase price and can be more complex to learn.
Finding the right Cessna 172 for sale
There are several avenues for finding Cessna 172s for sale:
- Online Marketplaces: Websites specializing in aircraft sales are a great starting point.
- Aircraft Brokers: Brokers can help you find aircraft that meet your specific requirements and negotiate the purchase.
- Flying Clubs: Local flying clubs may have members looking to sell their aircraft.
- Airport Bulletin Boards: Check the bulletin boards at your local airport for listings.
- Word of Mouth: Talk to pilots and mechanics; they may know of aircraft for sale.
Negotiating the purchase
Once you have found the right aircraft, is time for negotiation. Be respectful, but do not be afraid to get the fairest price, for this make sure you already did:
- Research Market Value: Understand the fair market value of similar aircraft based on their year, condition, and equipment.
- Use the Pre-Purchase Inspection: Leverage any findings from the pre-purchase inspection to negotiate a lower price.
- Be Prepared to Walk Away: Don’t get emotionally attached to the aircraft. Be willing to walk away if you can’t reach a fair agreement.
Final Thoughts: Joining the Cessna 172 community
Buying a Cessna 172 is more than just acquiring an airplane; it’s joining a community of passionate pilots. The 172 is a gateway to adventure, a platform for learning, and a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of aviators. By doing your research, conducting a thorough pre-purchase inspection, and understanding the associated costs, you can confidently embark on the journey of Cessna 172 ownership.
