Cessna C-172M Checklist
CESSNA 172M SKYHAWK · Checklist
Overview
This document is a checklist specifically for the Cessna 172M Skyhawk, designed to assist pilots in conducting preflight inspections, engine starts, takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures. It provides a comprehensive list of tasks and checks to ensure the aircraft is ready for flight and to enhance safety during operations. The checklist is organized into sections that cover interior and exterior preflight checks, engine start procedures, taxiing, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, landing, and emergency protocols. Pilots can use this checklist to verify that all necessary steps are completed before and during flight, which is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance with aviation regulations.
- Rotate at 50-55 KIAS during takeoff.
- Best angle of climb (Vx) is 59 KIAS; best rate of climb (Vy) is 73 KIAS.
- Normal landing approach speed is 60 KIAS.
- Ensure oil level is at least 6 quarts before engine start.
- Perform a fuel sump sample before each flight.
Document
Source
Originally published by www.lakeelmoaero.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Checklist
- Pages
- 3
- File size
- 197 KB
- Publisher
- www.lakeelmoaero.com
Specifications & performance
Extracted from this document.
Specifications
- Range (nm)
- 500
- Engine (hp)
- 160
- Height (ft)
- 8
- Length (ft)
- 27
- Propeller
- McCauley 1A170/DTM
- Wingspan (ft)
- 36
- Engine model
- Lycoming O-320
- Max speed (kt)
- 124
- Cruise speed (kt)
- 110
- Empty weight (lb)
- 1,550
- Fuel capacity (gal)
- 40
- Rate of climb (fpm)
- 730
- Service ceiling (ft)
- 14,000
- Max takeoff weight (lb)
- 2,300
Performance
- Fuel burn (gph)
- 8
- Landing over 50ft
- 1,500
- Max crosswind (kt)
- 15
- Takeoff over 50ft
- 2,000
- Landing distance (ft)
- 1,200
- Takeoff distance (ft)
- 1,500
- Best glide speed (kt)
- 65
- Stall speed clean (kt)
- 47
- Stall speed landing (kt)
- 41
V-speeds
- VA
- 97
- VR
- 55
- VX
- 59
- VY
- 73
- VFE
- 85
- VNE
- 160
- VNO
- 128
- VS1
- 47
- VSO
- 41
- VREF
- 60
Weight & balance
- Useful load (lb)
- 750
- Max ramp weight (lb)
- 2,300
- Baggage allowance (lb)
- 200
- Basic empty weight (lb)
- 1,550
- Max landing weight (lb)
- 2,300
- Max takeoff weight (lb)
- 2,300
Common. Rarer than 1% of the aircraft models we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the CESSNA 172M SKYHAWK.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
CESSNA 172M SKYHAWK for sale now
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In this document
Interior Preflight
The interior preflight section includes checks for required documents, Hobbs/Tach time, fuel selector, flight controls, and various switches. Pilots must ensure that the radio master switch and ignition switch are off, the master switch is on, and fuel quantity is checked. Flaps should be extended, and aircraft lights and pitot heat should be checked before turning the master switch off.
Exterior Preflight
The exterior preflight section covers checks of the fuselage, tail, wings, and nose. Pilots must ensure that the baggage door is secure, antennas are checked, and all control surfaces (elevators, rudder, ailerons) are free and correct. Fuel quantity and sump samples should be checked, and the propeller and spinner must be inspected.
Before Start
Before starting the engine, pilots should complete the preflight, brief passengers, secure belts and seats, and set the fuel selector to both. The throttle should be set according to temperature conditions, and the mixture should be rich. After ensuring the area is clear, the starter can be engaged.
Normal Takeoff
During a normal takeoff, pilots should check the heading, apply full throttle, and rotate at 50-55 KIAS. Climb out should be performed at Vx (59 KIAS) or Vy (73 KIAS) as appropriate.
Emergencies & Abnormals
This section outlines procedures for various emergency situations, including engine failure during takeoff and flight, engine fires, and electrical failures. Key actions include maintaining airspeed, locating a landing site, and preparing passengers for landing.
Safety notes
- Always ensure the propeller area is clear before starting the engine.
- In case of engine failure, maintain a safe airspeed of 65 KIAS.
Full document text
Cessna C-172M Checklist Skyhawk (KIAS) INTERIOR PREFLIGHT Required Documents….................On Board Hobbs/Tach Time…...........................Check Fuel Selector.…….............Cycle, then Both Flight Controls…..................Free & Correct Radio Master Switch…...........................Off Ignition Switch…....................................Off Master Switch…......................................On Fuel Quantity…..................................Check Flaps…..............................................Extend Aircraft Lights/Pitot Heat…..............All On Lights/Pitot Heat…............................Check Lights/Pitot Heat….................................Off Master Switch….....................................Off EXTERIOR PREFLIGHT FUSELAGE/TAIL: Baggage Door….............................Secure Antennas….......................................Check Left Fuselage…................................Check Left Elevator….................................Check Rudder…..........................................Check Right Elevator…..............................Check Trim Tab….......................................Check Right Fuselage…..............................Check RIGHT WING: Flap…...............................................Check Aileron…..........................................Check Wingtip/Lights…..............................Check Leading Edge…................................Check Fresh Air Inlet..................................Check Main Wheel/Brakes…......................Check Fuel Sump…...................................Sample Fuel Quantity…................................Check NOSE: Windshield…..........................Check/Clean Oil…...........................................6 Qts Min Fuel Strainer…...................Drain (2 Secs.) Cowling…............................Check Secure Propeller/Spinner…..........................Check Alternator Belt…..............................Check Landing Light…...............................Check Carburetor Air Filter….....................Check Nose Wheel/Strut….........................Check Static Port (left side)….....................Check EXTERIOR PREFLIGHT (CON'T) LEFT WING: Main Wheel/Brakes…......................Check Fuel Sump…...................................Sample Fuel Quantity…................................Check Fresh Air Inlet….….........................Check Pitot Head….....................................Check Fuel Tank Vent…….........................Check Stall Warning Vent….......................Check Leading Edge….…...........................Check Wingtip/Lights…..............................Check Aileron….…....................................Check Flap…...............................................Check BEFORE START Preflight…….................................Complete Passenger Briefing.…...................Complete Belts/Seats…….................................Secure Fuel Selector Valve…...........................Both Carburetor Heat……...............................Off Radio Master Switch…...........................Off Circuit Breakers….….........................Check ENGINE START Throttle…......................................1/8” Cold 1/4” Hot Mixture……..........................................Rich Prime…..........................................3-4 Cold 1-2 Hot Brakes...…............................................Hold Master Switch…......................................On Aircraft Lights….…................................Set Propeller Area…..................................Clear Starter…….......................................Engage Throttle…...........................800-1,000 RPM Oil Pressure….….................Check Positive BEFORE TAXI Radio Master…........................................On Ammeter…...........................Check Positive Flaps.…....................................................Up Mixture….............................................Lean Avionics...…............................................Set Transponder…......................Set Code/ALT Flight Instruments…..........................Check Aircraft Lights………………………….Set Nav Light……………………..………..On Brakes….…...........................................Test RUN UP Brake.…...............................................Hold Flight Controls...…..............Free & Correct Circuit Breakers….............................Check Mixture..…...........................................Rich Throttle…..................................1,800 RPM Magnetos...…....................................Check *Max drop 125 RPM, Max Diff 50 RPM* Carburetor Heat….............................Check Ammeter...….......................Check Positive Oil Temp...….....................................Check Oil Pressure…...................................Check Throttle…...................................Idle Check Throttle...…........................800-1,000 RPM Throttle Friction Lock…...................Adjust Mixture..….......................Re-Lean for Taxi Magnetos.….........................................Both Primer...…...................................In/Locked BEFORE TAKEOFF Transponder..….............................Set ALT Trim...…..............................Set for Takeoff Flaps…....................................................Set Mixture….............................................Rich Carburetor Heat...…...............................Off Aircraft Lights.…...................................Set Flight Instruments...…............................Set Cabin Doors/Windows…................Latched Takeoff Briefing…………………Complete NORMAL TAKEOFF Heading…..............Check Correct Runway Throttle…....................................Full Open Rotate…...................................50-55 KIAS CLIMB Best Angle Vx…...........................59 KIAS Best Rate Vy…..............................73 KIAS Flaps…....................................................Up CRUISE Throttle…...............................................Set
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Mixture…...............................................Set Aircraft Lights…....................................Set Pitot Heat…............................................Set DESCENT Instruments/Avionics…..........................Set Aircraft Lights...….................................Set Pitot Heat…............................................Set Carburetor Heat…..................................Set Throttle…...............................................Set Mixture….............................................Rich Approach Briefing…………..…..Complete BEFORE LANDING Fuel Selector….................................Both Aircraft Lights…....................................Set Carburetor Heat…...................................On Mixture….............................................Rich Flaps…....................................................Set Approach Airspeed ..…..................60 KIAS AFTER LANDING Flaps…....................................................Up Trim….................................Set for Takeoff Aircraft Lights…....................................Set Pitot Heat…............................................Off Carburetor Heat…..................................Off Mixture.…...........................................Lean SHUTDOWN Radio Master….......................................Off Throttle…...............................................Idle Magneto…..........................................Check Mixture….................................Idle Cut-Off Magnetos…............................................Off Aircraft Lights…....................................Off Master Switches………………………..Off Nav Lights...……………..……………ON Brakes…........................................Released Important Speeds KIAS Vs0 …......................................... 41 KIAS Vs1 …......................................... 47 KIAS Vrotate ….................................... 55 KIAS Vx …........................................... 59 KIAS Vy …........................................... 73 KIAS Vfe ….......................................... 85 KIAS Va (maneuvering) …................... 97 KIAS Vno …....................................... 128 KIAS Vne …....................................... 160 KIAS Normal Approach …....................60 KIAS Best Glide ….............................. 65 KIAS Cessna C-172 Maneuvers Normal Takeoff *Before Takeoff Checklist Complete* Flaps …................................................ 0º Power …............................................ Full Engine Instruments …......... Verify Green Rotate …................................ 50-55 KIAS Climb Out …......................... Vx 59 KIAS Vy 73 KIAS Normal Landing *Before Landing Checklist Complete* Midfield Downwind …......... BCGUMPS Abeam Touchdown….Throttle 1500 RPM Flaps 10º Airspeed 80 KIAS Base – Flaps 20º Airspeed 70 KIAS Final – Flaps 30º Airspeed 60 KIAS Touchdown …........ Just above stall speed Short Field Takeoff *Before Takeoff Checklist Complete* Flaps …............................................... 10º Runway ….................... Use All Available Brakes ….......................................... Hold Throttle ….......................................... Full Engine Instruments ….......... Verify Green Brakes …....................................... Release Rotate …...................................... 50 KIAS Climb Out …................................ 59 KIAS When Clear of Obstacle Accelerate to …............................ 73 KIAS At Vy – 73 …............................ Raise Flaps Climb Out …................................ Vy - 73 Short Field Landing *Before Landing Checklist Complete* Midfield Downwind ….......... BCGUMPS Approach (Obstacle) …................. Steeper Abeam Touchdown…..Throttle 1500 RPM Flaps 10º Airspeed 80 KIAS Base – Flaps 20º Airspeed 70 KIAS Final – Flaps 40º Airspeed 60 KIAS Threshold 54-60 KIAS Touchdown …........ Just above stall speed Braking …. Apply Maximum Foot &Aero Soft Field Takeoff *Before Takeoff Checklist Complete* Flaps …............................................... 10º Yoke …...................................... Full Back Engine Instruments ….......... Verify green Throttle ….......................................... Full Rotate …............................ Min. Airspeed Yoke ….......... Slowly release to maintain nose up until liftoff Ground Effect …....................... Remain in Accelerate ….… Vy 73 or End of Runway At Vy 73 …........................ Normal Climb Clear of Obstacles …..... Raise Flaps to 0º Soft Field Landing *Before Landing Checklist Complete* Midfield Downwind ….......... BCGUMPS Midfield Downwind …......... BCGUMPS Abeam Touchdown….Throttle 1500 RPM Flaps 10º Airspeed 85 KIAS Base – Flaps 20º Airspeed 75 KIAS Final – Flaps 30º Airspeed 65 KIAS Touchdown …......... Just above stall speed Yoke …...................................... Full Back Wheel Brakes...Use Minimum Required Go-Around Throttle …............................ FULL Power Carburetor Heat …............................... Off Flight Controls ….............. Start Climbout Flaps ….............................. Retract to 20º Airspeed………………55 KIAS or greater When clear of obstacles Airspeed …............................Vy 73 KIAS Flaps ….................................... Raise to 0° Steep Turns Clearing Turns …....................... Complete BCGUMPS …............................ Complete Throttle …................................ 2300 RPM Airspeed ….................................. 95 KIAS Bank …................................... 45º Private 50º Commercial Roll Out ….................... Original Heading Repeat …..................... Opposite Direction Slow Flight Clearing Turns …....................... Complete BCGUMPS …............................ Complete Throttle …....................... 1500-1700 RPM Flaps ….................................. 30° when in white arc Altitude ….. Maintain as Speed Decreases Throttle …............................Add power to Maintain 45-55 KIAS Banks …....................................... Shallow Recover …....... Full Power, remove Flaps and Carb Heat, Maintain Altitude Power Off Stall Clearing Turns …....................... Complete BCGUMPS …............................ Complete Throttle …....................... 1500-1700 RPM Carburetor Heat………………………..On Flaps ….................................. 30° when in white arc Airspeed ….....................Slow to 60 KIAS Descent ….................. Initiate 500 FPM to simulate final approach Throttle …........................................ IDLE Pitch …................................... Induce Stall Stall Recovery: Release back pressure, full power, and remove carb heat and one notch of flaps As decent stops, remove 2nd notch of flaps and accelerate to >70 KIAS and initiate climb. Power On Stall Clearing Turns …....................... Complete BCGUMPS …............................ Complete Throttle …....................... 1500-1700 RPM Airspeed …................... Slow to 60 KIAS Throttle …............................... Full Power Pitch ….................................. Induce Stall Stall Recovery: Release back pressure, ensure full power and stop descent. Accelerate to >70 KIAS and climb to a safe altitude Rectangular Course Clearing Turns …....................... Complete BCGUMPS …............................ Complete Throttle ….................... 2000 – 2200 RPM Airspeed ….................................. 85 KIAS Altitude …..............................1000 ft AGL Entry …......................... 45° to Downwind Ground track …........ Adjust for wind drift to maintain a ¼ -½ mi distance Turns Around a Point Clearing Turns …....................... Complete BCGUMPS …............................ Complete Throttle ….................... 2000 – 2200 RPM Airspeed ….................................. 85 KIAS Altitude ….................. ………1000 ft AGL Entry ….............................. On Downwind Ground track …........ Adjust for wind drift to maintain a ¼ -½ mi radius S-Turns Along a Road Clearing Turns …....................... Complete BCGUMPS …............................ Complete Throttle ….................... 2000 – 2200 RPM Airspeed …................................. 85 KIAS Altitude …..............................1000 ft AGL Entry ….............................. On Downwind Ground track …........ Adjust for wind drift to maintain a ¼ -½ mi radius Cessna C-172 Emergencies&Abnormals Engine Failure-Takeoff Pitch…………….Nose down immediately Airspeed .............Maintain Safe (65 KIAS) Land .................................. Straight Ahead If time and altitude permit, proceed to ENGINE FAILURE - FLIGHT Engine Failure-Flight Airspeed…………………………65 KIAS Best Landing Site………………….Locate Carburetor Heat …............................... On Fuel Selector…………………………Both Mixture .............................................. Rich Magnetos ........................................... Both Primer ....................................... In/Locked Engine Gauges ................................ Check If power is not restored proceed to POWER OFF LANDING Power Off Landing Airspeed …................................. 65 KIAS Best Landing Site............................ Locate Passengers …................................ Prepare If time and altitude permit: Transponder ….................................. 7700 Radios …........................... Transmit 121.5 ELT ….................................................. On When committed to landing: Throttle …........................................... Idle Mixture ….............................. Idle Cut-Off Fuel Selector …................................... Off Magnetos …......................................... Off Flaps……Extend (time/altitude permitting) Master Switch …................................. Off Belts/Shoulder Harness ….............. Secure Doors………………………………..Open Approach Speed …..................... 65 KIAS Engine Fire-Start Starter …..................... Continue Cranking If engine starts: Power ….................................. 1700 RPM Run engine for approximately one minute Engine .... Shutdown and Have Inspected If engine does not start: Starter …..................... Continue Cranking Mixture ….............................. Idle Cut-Off Throttle …................................. Full Open When fire extinguishes… Magnetos …......................................... Off Fuel Selector………………………….Off Master Switch …................................. Off If fire continues; EVACUATE AIRCRAFT and extinguish fire Engine Fire-Flight Mixture ….............................. Idle Cut-Off Fuel Selector ….................................... Off Throttle …............................................ Idle Heater/Defroster Vents.......................Close If fire continues, leave Mixture at Idle Cut- Off and proceed to: EMERGENCY DESCENT If fire appears out, proceed to: POWER OFF LANDING Electrical Fire Batt/Alt Master Switch …......................Off Radio Master and All Electrical……….Off Overhead Fresh Air Vents/Windows...Open Panel Cabin Air/Heat/Defrost……...Closed If fire appears out and electrical power is necessary: Batt/Alt Master Switch ….................... On Circuit Breakers …........ DO NOT RESET Radio/Electrical Equip---ON one at a time *Land As Soon as Practical* Emergency Descent Throttle …............................................ Idle Mixture …........................Rich (unless fire) Bank …......................................... 30º – 45º Airspeed………………………...128 KIAS Engine Roughness Carburetor Heat ….............................. On Throttle……………………….2500 RPM If roughness continues after 30 sec: Fuel Selector …....................Switch Tanks Check each tank for 30 sec Mixture …...................................Full Rich Engine Gauges …........................... Check Magneto Switch ….......Check Individually If operation is satisfactory on either magneto, continue on that magneto at reduced power and Full Rich mixture. Land as soon as practical. If roughness continues, land as soon as possible. High Oil Temperature Altitude……………….Level (stop climb) Throttle………………………..2200 RPM If temp does not go down, or continues to rise, land as soon as practical. Prepare for POWER OFF LANDING Alternator Failure LOW VOLTAGE light may be illuminated Prepare for ELECTRICAL FIRE All Non-Required Equipment………….Off 12V Charging Socket……………..Unplug Circuit Breakers……………………Check If no circuit breakers popped… Alternator Master Switch……Cycle Off/On If circuit breakers popped, reset them only if absolutely necessary for safety of flight. If Alternator is not restored, land as soon as practical. Complete Electrical Failure Battery Master Switch …...................... Off Alternator Master Switch....................... Off Radio Master and All Electrical………. Off Prepare for ELECTRICAL FIRE Battery Master Switch…………………On If electrical power is not restored, stop this checklist and land as soon as practical. If electrical power is restored… Alternator Master Switch……………….On If alternator Over-Voltage light illuminates, turn off Alternator Master, stop this checklist, and land as soon as practical. Electrical Components…..On, one at a time Land as soon as practical. Spin Recovery Throttle …........................................... Idle Ailerons ….................................... Neutral Rudder ….............................. Full opposite (to the direction of rotation) Yoke …................................... Full forward Rudder …........................................ Neutral (when rotation stops) Yoke …..........................Recover from dive Throttle …........... Do not exceed 160 KIAS
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