CESSNA 172M Model Guide
CESSNA 172M · Model Guide
Overview
The CESSNA 172M is a single-engine piston four-seat trainer and tourer. The documents describe a 180 HP Lycoming O-360 with a fixed-pitch propeller and a 2550 lb maximum takeoff weight. The two source documents are a supplemental flight manual for the STC that allows 2550 lb and a flight school's checklist for its 1972 airframes.
- CESSNA 172M: 180 HP Lycoming O-360, 38 gal usable fuel, 2550 lb max takeoff weight in normal category.
- The 2550 lb gross weight and the 180 HP engine are documented as STC and ATS modifications. Confirm the paperwork for the airplane you are buying.
- Baggage limit is 108 lb, and any aux fuel carried in the baggage area counts toward it.
- Max crosswind is 14 kt. Stall speeds are 64 mph clean and 56 mph with flaps down.
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
- Engine (hp) ·
- 180
- Fuel capacity (gal) ·
- 38
- Baggage allowance (lb) ·
- 108
- Max takeoff weight (lb) ·
- 2,550
- Propeller diameter (in) ·
- 76
- Utility takeoff weight (lb) ·
- 2,000
Performance
- Max crosswind (kt) ·
- 14
- Max glide speed mph ·
- 78
- Landing over 50ft sea level 20c (ft) ·
- 1,350
- Cruise fuel burn gph 2500rpm 2000ft ·
- 9.6
- Landing ground roll sea level 20c (ft) ·
- 585
V-speeds
- VA_MPH ·
- 112
- VX_MPH ·
- 71
- VY_MPH ·
- 84
- VFE_MPH ·
- 100
- VNE_MPH ·
- 182
- VNO_MPH ·
- 145
- VS1_MPH ·
- 64
- VSO_MPH ·
- 56
Weight & balance
- Utility weight (lb) ·
- 2,000
- Aft cg limit (in) ·
- 47.3
- Baggage allowance (lb) ·
- 108
- Max landing weight (lb) ·
- 2,550
- Max takeoff weight (lb) ·
- 2,550
- Forward cg limit light (in) ·
- 35
- Forward cg limit max weight (in) ·
- 41
What engine does the CESSNA 172M have?
The CESSNA 172M here has a 180 HP Lycoming O-360, normally aspirated and carbureted, rated at 2700 RPM. The STC manual says it comes from the ATS SA4428SW installation.
How much can the CESSNA 172M carry?
The CESSNA 172M has a 2550 lb max takeoff weight in normal category and 2000 lb in utility. It holds 38 gal usable fuel and has a 108 lb baggage limit.
How fast and far does the 172 family go?
Across the whole 172 family, the registry lists up to 140 kt cruise and up to 700 nm range. These are family maxima, not CESSNA 172M figures. The CESSNA 172M burns about 9.6 gph at 2500 RPM at 2000 ft.
What is the crosswind limit on the CESSNA 172M?
The CESSNA 172M checklist lists a max crosswind of 14 kt. The flight school's own limits are lower for students.
What is the CESSNA 172M Model Guide?
The CESSNA 172M Model Guide is a model guide for the CESSNA 172M, dated 2026.
What year was the CESSNA 172M Model Guide published?
The CESSNA 172M Model Guide — the CESSNA 172M 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 172M.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins on file
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
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In this document
Weight, fuel and loading
Normal category max takeoff and landing weight is 2550 lb. Utility category is 2000 lb. Main fuel is 38 gal usable (42 gal total). Baggage is limited to 108 lb. Forward CG limit is 35 inches aft of datum at 1950 lb or less, moving to 41.0 inches at 2550 lb. Aft limit is 47.3 inches.
Paperwork and modifications to verify
The supplemental manual applies only with STC SA2196CE, which raises gross weight to 2550 lb and limits flap travel to 30 degrees. It covers serial numbers 17260759 to 17265684. The airplane must first have the ATS SA4428SW 180 HP O-360 and fixed-pitch propeller installed. At 2550 lb it needs 6-ply or heavier tires. Tire pressure is 45 psi nose and 38 psi main.
Performance and what to inspect
Fuel burn at 2000 ft, standard temperature and 2500 RPM is about 9.6 gph at 72 BHP (not FAA approved). Short-field landing at 2550 lb, sea level and 20C takes 585 ft ground roll and 1350 ft over a 50 ft obstacle. The checklist covers fuel sumps, strainer, oil (6-8 qt), nose strut, tires and mag drop (175 RPM max).
Safety notes
- Landing with flaps up needs 10 mph more approach speed and about 35% more distance.
- Mag drop over 175 RPM at runup means do not fly. Try the cleaning run, and abort the flight if it does not clear.
- Improper leaning greatly reduces endurance. Check fuel quantity by dipstick and sump sampling.
Full document text
CESSNA 172M Model Guide The CESSNA 172M is a single-engine piston four-seat trainer and tourer. The documents describe a 180 HP Lycoming O-360 with a fixed-pitch propeller and a 2550 lb maximum takeoff weight. The two source documents are a supplemental flight manual for the STC that allows 2550 lb and a flight school's checklist for its 1972 airframes. • CESSNA 172M: 180 HP Lycoming O-360, 38 gal usable fuel, 2550 lb max takeoff weight in normal category. • The 2550 lb gross weight and the 180 HP engine are documented as STC and ATS modifications. Confirm the paperwork for the airplane you are buying. • Baggage limit is 108 lb, and any aux fuel carried in the baggage area counts toward it. • Max crosswind is 14 kt. Stall speeds are 64 mph clean and 56 mph with flaps down. Weight, fuel and loading Normal category max takeoff and landing weight is 2550 lb. Utility category is 2000 lb. Main fuel is 38 gal usable (42 gal total). Baggage is limited to 108 lb. Forward CG limit is 35 inches aft of datum at 1950 lb or less, moving to 41.0 inches at 2550 lb. Aft limit is 47.3 inches. Paperwork and modifications to verify The supplemental manual applies only with STC SA2196CE, which raises gross weight to 2550 lb and limits flap travel to 30 degrees. It covers serial numbers 17260759 to 17265684. The airplane must first have the ATS SA4428SW 180 HP O-360 and fixed-pitch propeller installed. At 2550 lb it needs 6-ply or heavier tires. Tire pressure is 45 psi nose and 38 psi main. Performance and what to inspect Fuel burn at 2000 ft, standard temperature and 2500 RPM is about 9.6 gph at 72 BHP (not FAA approved). Short-field landing at 2550 lb, sea level and 20C takes 585 ft ground roll and 1350 ft over a 50 ft obstacle. The checklist covers fuel sumps, strainer, oil (6-8 qt), nose strut, tires and mag drop (175 RPM max). Safety notes: • Landing with flaps up needs 10 mph more approach speed and about 35% more distance. • Mag drop over 175 RPM at runup means do not fly. Try the cleaning run, and abort the flight if it does not clear. • Improper leaning greatly reduces endurance. Check fuel quantity by dipstick and sump sampling.