CESSNA 172C Model Guide
CESSNA 172C · Model Guide
Overview
CESSNA 172C is a single-engine piston Cessna from the 172 family. Library figures show a 2400 lb max takeoff weight, 110 kt cruise and 600 nm range on 40 gal of fuel. Its 1963 owner's manual lists a different gross weight, engine and fuel capacity, so check any airplane against its own papers.
- Library data: 110 kt cruise, 8 gph burn, 600 nm range, 13000 ft service ceiling and 730 fpm climb.
- Useful load is 800 lb on a 1600 lb empty weight; baggage allowance is 120 lb.
- Sources conflict: the 1963 manual shows 2300 lb gross, 145 hp Continental and 39 gal; library shows 2400 lb, 150 hp Lycoming, 40 gal.
- Check the fuel selector valve service bulletin and the seat rail inspection AD in the logbook before buying.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Reference only, not for flight. Use the current approved manual for your aircraft. See terms, section 5.
Document
Source
Copy found at sprinkle.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type ·
- Model Guide
- Year ·
- 2026
- File size ·
- 48 KB
- Copy found at ·
- sprinkle.com
Specifications & performance
Extracted from this document.
Specifications
- Range (nm) ·
- 600
- Height (ft) ·
- 8.92
- Length (ft) ·
- 27.17
- Wingspan (ft) ·
- 36.08
- Cruise speed (kt) ·
- 110
- Fuel capacity (gal) ·
- 40
- Rate of climb (fpm) ·
- 730
- Service ceiling (ft) ·
- 13,000
Performance
- Fuel burn (gph) ·
- 8
- Max speed (kt) ·
- 124
- Cruise speed (kt) ·
- 110
- Max crosswind (kt) ·
- 15
- Rate of climb (fpm) ·
- 730
- Landing distance (ft) ·
- 1,500
- Takeoff distance (ft) ·
- 1,600
- Best glide speed (kt) ·
- 65
V-speeds
- VR_KTS ·
- 55
- VX_KTS ·
- 70
- VY_KTS ·
- 74
- VFE_KTS ·
- 85
- VNE_KTS ·
- 144
- VNO_KTS ·
- 126
- VS1_KTS ·
- 50
- VSO_KTS ·
- 44
Weight & balance
- Useful load (lb) ·
- 800
- Empty weight (lb) ·
- 1,600
- Fuel capacity (gal) ·
- 40
- Baggage allowance (lb) ·
- 120
- Max landing weight (lb) ·
- 2,400
- Max takeoff weight (lb) ·
- 2,400
How fast and how far does the CESSNA 172C fly?
Library data for the CESSNA 172C shows 110 kt cruise at about 8 gph, 124 kt max speed and 600 nm range. The 172 family reaches up to 140 kt cruise, which is not a 172C figure.
How much can the CESSNA 172C carry?
The library lists the CESSNA 172C at 1600 lb empty, 2400 lb max takeoff and 800 lb useful load, with 120 lb baggage. The 1963 manual shows 2300 lb gross, so confirm the limit in the airplane's papers.
What known issues apply to the CESSNA 172C?
The CESSNA 172C is listed in a fuel selector valve service bulletin (outlet fitting cracking after overhaul). A seat rail AD also requires repetitive inspections. Check the logbook for compliance with both.
What is the CESSNA 172C Model Guide?
The CESSNA 172C Model Guide is a model guide for the CESSNA 172C, dated 2026.
What year was the CESSNA 172C Model Guide published?
The CESSNA 172C Model Guide — the CESSNA 172C model guide on file — is dated 2026.
Common. One of the most common aircraft types we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the CESSNA 172C.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins on file
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
CESSNA 172C for sale now
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More CESSNA 172Cmanuals & documents
See all 18 →- Service Bulletin SB-12Service Bulletins
- FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Supplement for Aerocet Model 2200 Seaplane Float Installation on Cessna Model 172 to 172P and F172D to F172P with Tricycle GearFlight Manual
- APPROVED MODEL LIST (AML) SA02594SE FOR INSTALLATION OF THE SKYVIEW HDX INSTRUMENTATION AND AUTOPILOT SYSTEMOther Documents
- SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE - 10059692 REV. 1Supplemental Type Certificate
- SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE 10051939Supplemental Type Certificate
- 172 Preflight ChecklistChecklist
- Single Engine Service Bulletin SEB07-5 Revision 6, Pilot and Copilot Secondary Seat Stop InstallationService Bulletins
- Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 150, 152, 170, 172, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, 188, 190, 195, 206, 207, 210, T303, 336, and 337 AirplanesAirworthiness Directives
- UK Specific Flight Manuals and Supplements for Piper and Cessna AircraftFlight Manual
- CESSNA 172C Maintenance ManualMaintenance Manual
- CESSNA 172C Airworthiness DirectivesAirworthiness Directives
- SERVICE MANUAL 100 - SERIESMaintenance Manual
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In this document
Performance and limits
Library figures: takeoff distance 1600 ft, landing distance 1500 ft, max crosswind 15 kt, best glide 65 kt. Stall is 54 kt clean and 48 kt in landing configuration. Vne is 144, Vno 126 and Vfe 85. The 172 family as a whole reaches up to 140 kt cruise and 17000 ft ceiling; those are not 172C figures.
What to inspect
A McFarlane service bulletin covers MC0513120 series fuel selector valves; all CESSNA 172C serials are listed. The outlet fitting can crack after valve overhaul, so check the logbook for valve service. A seat rail AD requires repetitive inspection of seat rails, rollers and lock pin engagement, including at 100-hour inspections.
Weight and paperwork
The 1963 manual lists 2300 lb gross, a 145 hp Continental engine and 39 gal fuel; the library lists 2400 lb, a 150 hp Lycoming O-320 and 40 gal. An Aerocet float supplement gives a 2250 lb maximum weight for the 172C. Confirm the weight limit and engine in the airplane's own papers.
Safety notes
- Fuel selector valve outlet fittings can deform or crack after overhaul; replacement is mandatory on affected lots per the service bulletin.
- Seat slippage or a seat roller leaving the rail can leave the pilot unable to reach the controls; follow the seat rail AD inspections.
- Preflight checklist: oil 6 to 8 quarts; magneto check allows a maximum 125 rpm drop.
Full document text
CESSNA 172C Model Guide CESSNA 172C is a single-engine piston Cessna from the 172 family. Library figures show a 2400 lb max takeoff weight, 110 kt cruise and 600 nm range on 40 gal of fuel. Its 1963 owner's manual lists a different gross weight, engine and fuel capacity, so check any airplane against its own papers. • Library data: 110 kt cruise, 8 gph burn, 600 nm range, 13000 ft service ceiling and 730 fpm climb. • Useful load is 800 lb on a 1600 lb empty weight; baggage allowance is 120 lb. • Sources conflict: the 1963 manual shows 2300 lb gross, 145 hp Continental and 39 gal; library shows 2400 lb, 150 hp Lycoming, 40 gal. • Check the fuel selector valve service bulletin and the seat rail inspection AD in the logbook before buying. Performance and limits Library figures: takeoff distance 1600 ft, landing distance 1500 ft, max crosswind 15 kt, best glide 65 kt. Stall is 54 kt clean and 48 kt in landing configuration. Vne is 144, Vno 126 and Vfe 85. The 172 family as a whole reaches up to 140 kt cruise and 17000 ft ceiling; those are not 172C figures. What to inspect A McFarlane service bulletin covers MC0513120 series fuel selector valves; all CESSNA 172C serials are listed. The outlet fitting can crack after valve overhaul, so check the logbook for valve service. A seat rail AD requires repetitive inspection of seat rails, rollers and lock pin engagement, including at 100-hour inspections. Weight and paperwork The 1963 manual lists 2300 lb gross, a 145 hp Continental engine and 39 gal fuel; the library lists 2400 lb, a 150 hp Lycoming O-320 and 40 gal. An Aerocet float supplement gives a 2250 lb maximum weight for the 172C. Confirm the weight limit and engine in the airplane's own papers. Safety notes: • Fuel selector valve outlet fittings can deform or crack after overhaul; replacement is mandatory on affected lots per the service bulletin. • Seat slippage or a seat roller leaving the rail can leave the pilot unable to reach the controls; follow the seat rail AD inspections. • Preflight checklist: oil 6 to 8 quarts; magneto check allows a maximum 125 rpm drop.