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Cessna 172C Pilot's Operating Handbook

CESSNA 172C · Pilot's Operating Handbook

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Overview

The Cessna 172C Pilot's Operating Handbook provides essential information for the operation of the Cessna 172C aircraft. This handbook is designed for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, offering detailed guidance on the aircraft's systems, performance, and operational procedures. It includes critical data on weight and balance, performance specifications, and emergency procedures, ensuring that pilots have the necessary information to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently. The handbook serves as a comprehensive reference for both new and experienced pilots, emphasizing the importance of understanding the aircraft's capabilities and limitations.

  • Wingspan: 36 ft
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2,400 lbs
  • Fuel Capacity: 40 gallons
  • Stall Speed (clean): 50 knots
  • Takeoff Distance over 50 ft obstacle: 1,600 ft

Document

Source

Originally published by usaeroflight.net. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.

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Document details

Type
Pilot's Operating Handbook
Year
1963
Pages
179
File size
24 MB
Publisher
usaeroflight.net

Specifications & performance

Extracted from this document.

Specifications

Engine (hp)
150
Height (ft)
8.92
Length (ft)
27.17
Wingspan (ft)
36
Engine model
Lycoming O-320
Empty weight (lb)
1,600
Fuel capacity (gal)
40
Max takeoff weight (lb)
2,400

Performance

Landing over 50ft
1,500
Takeoff over 50ft
1,600
Landing distance (ft)
1,500
Takeoff distance (ft)
1,600

Weight & balance

Useful load (lb)
800
Max ramp weight (lb)
2,400
Baggage allowance (lb)
120
Basic empty weight (lb)
1,600
Max landing weight (lb)
2,400
Max takeoff weight (lb)
2,400
How rare is it?
472CESSNA 172C registered worldwide · 419 active

Common. One of the most common aircraft types we track.

Documentation completeness
6/7

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In this document

Aircraft Specifications

This section outlines the key specifications of the Cessna 172C, including its dimensions, weight, and engine details. The aircraft features a wingspan of 36 feet, a length of 27 feet 2 inches, and a height of 8 feet 11 inches. The empty weight is approximately 1,600 lbs, while the maximum takeoff weight is 2,400 lbs. The fuel capacity is 40 gallons, and it is powered by a Lycoming O-320 engine producing 150 horsepower.

Performance Data

The performance section provides critical data for flight operations, including takeoff and landing distances. The takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle is approximately 1,600 feet, while the landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle is about 1,500 feet. The stall speed in a clean configuration is 50 knots, and the best glide speed is 65 knots.

Weight and Balance

This section details the weight and balance considerations for the Cessna 172C. The basic empty weight is 1,600 lbs, with a maximum ramp weight of 2,400 lbs and a maximum landing weight of 2,400 lbs. The useful load is 800 lbs, and the baggage allowance is 120 lbs. The center of gravity (CG) range is specified in inches.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are crucial for ensuring safety during flight. This section outlines the steps to take in various emergency scenarios, including engine failure, electrical failure, and in-flight fire. Pilots are advised to follow the checklist and maintain calm to effectively manage emergencies.

V-Speeds

The V-speed section lists important airspeeds for the Cessna 172C. Key speeds include VSO (stalling speed in landing configuration) at 44 knots, VS1 (stalling speed in clean configuration) at 50 knots, VR (rotation speed) at 55 knots, and VY (best rate of climb speed) at 74 knots.

Safety notes

  • Always perform a thorough preflight inspection before each flight.
  • Be aware of weight and balance limitations to ensure safe operation.
  • In case of engine failure, follow the emergency procedures outlined in the handbook.
Type certificate, explained

What's in the CESSNA 172C TCDS

A Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is the FAA's record of what an aircraft type was approved as. It is the source of truth for weights, seating, fuel and the rules the design was certified against. Expand any line to see what it means.

TCDS 3A12Rev 82· Issued 2011
Read the full TCDS

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