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Cessna 172S Pilot's Operating Handbook

CESSNA 172S Skyhawk · Pilot's Operating Handbook

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Overview

The Cessna 172S Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) provides essential information for the operation of the Cessna 172S Skyhawk. This document is designed for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, detailing the aircraft's specifications, performance data, operating procedures, and safety information. It serves as a comprehensive guide for preflight planning, in-flight operations, and post-flight procedures, ensuring that pilots have the necessary information to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently. The POH includes critical data such as weight and balance, fuel requirements, and emergency procedures, making it an indispensable resource for anyone flying the Cessna 172S.

  • Maximum takeoff weight: 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg)
  • Useful load: approximately 1,100 lbs (499 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 56 gallons (212 liters), 53 gallons (200 liters) usable
  • Stall speed: 47 knots in landing configuration
  • Rate of climb: approximately 730 feet per minute

Document

Source

Originally published by jasonblair.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
2000
Pages
242
File size
14 MB
Publisher
jasonblair.net

Specifications & performance

Extracted from this document.

Specifications

Engine (hp)
160
Propeller
1C160/DTM7557
Wingspan (ft)
36
Engine model
O-320-H2AD
Empty weight (lb)
1,393
Fuel capacity (gal)
43
Max takeoff weight (lb)
2,300

Weight & balance

Useful load (lb)
907
Baggage allowance (lb)
120
Basic empty weight (lb)
1,393
Max landing weight (lb)
2,300
Max takeoff weight (lb)
2,300
How rare is it?
43CESSNA 172S Skyhawk registered worldwide · 0 active

Common. Rarer than 2% of the aircraft models we track.

Documentation completeness
5/7

Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the CESSNA 172S Skyhawk.

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In this document

Aircraft Specifications

The Cessna 172S has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) and a useful load of approximately 1,100 lbs (499 kg). The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine, producing 180 horsepower. The fuel capacity is 56 gallons (212 liters), with 53 gallons (200 liters) usable.

Performance Data

The Cessna 172S has a stall speed of 47 knots in landing configuration and a maximum cruise speed of 124 knots at 75% power. The rate of climb is approximately 730 feet per minute under standard conditions.

Operating Procedures

Preflight checks should include verifying fuel levels, oil levels, and conducting a thorough walk-around inspection. The engine start procedure involves setting the mixture to rich, ensuring the throttle is open 1/4 inch, and engaging the starter.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an engine failure during takeoff, the recommended procedure is to maintain control of the aircraft, establish a glide, and select a suitable landing area. Emergency landing procedures should be reviewed regularly.

Weight and Balance

Proper weight and balance calculations are crucial for safe flight operations. The POH provides charts and formulas to determine the center of gravity and ensure the aircraft is loaded within limits.

Safety notes

  • Always perform a thorough preflight inspection before each flight.
  • Ensure weight and balance calculations are completed prior to flight.
  • Review emergency procedures regularly to maintain preparedness.

Full document text

PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK Cessna "// SKYHAWK 1978 MODEL 172N Serial No.. Registration No.. THIS HANDBOOK INCLUDES THE MATERIAL REQUIRED TO BE FURNISHED TO THE PILOT BY CAR PART 3 D1109-1-13 COPYRIGHT © 1977 CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA, KANSAS, USA Change 1 CONGRATULATIONS CESSNA MODEL 172N CONGRATULATIONS .... Welcome to the ranks of Cessna owners! Your Cessna has been designed and constructed to give you the most in performance, economy, and comfort. It is our desire that you will find flying it, either for business or pleasure, a pleasant and profitable experience. This Pilot's Operating Handbook has been prepared as a guide to help you get the most pleasure and utility from your airplane. It contains information about your Cessna's equipment, operating procedures, and performance; and suggestions for its servicing and care. We urge you to read it from cover to cover, and to refer to it frequently. Our interest in your flying pleasure has not ceased with your purchase of a Cessna. World-wide, the Cessna Dealer Organization backed by the Cessna Customer Services Department stands ready to serve you. The following services are offered by most Cessna Dealers: THE CESSNA WARRANTY, which provides coverage for parts and labor, is available at Cessna Dealers worldwide. Specific benefits and provisions of warranty, plus other important benefits for you, are contained in your Customer Care Program book, supplied with your airplane. Warranty service is available to you at authorized Cessna Dealers throughout the world upon presentation of your Customer Care Card which establishes your eligibility under the warranty. FACTORY TRAINED PERSONNEL to provide you with courteous expert service. FACTORY APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT to provide you efficient and accurate workmanship. A STOCK OF GENUINE CESSNA SERVICE PARTS on hand when you need them. THE LATEST AUTHORITATIVE INFORMATION FOR SERVICING CESSNA AIR- PLANES, since Cessna Dealers have all of the Service Manuals and Parts Catalogs, kept current by Service Letters and Service News Letters, published by Cessna Aircraft Company. We urge all Cessna owners to use the Cessna Dealer Organization to the fullest. A current Cessna Dealer Directory accompanies your new airplane. The Directory is revised frequently, and a current copy can be obtained from your Cessna Dealer. Make your Directory one of your cross-country flight planning aids; a warm welcome awaits you at every Cessna Dealer. ii CESSNA MODEL 172N TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 GENERAL LIMITATIONS…….. 2 • EMERGENCY PROCEDURES... 3 • NORMAL PROCEDURES... 4 . • PERFORMANCE………. 5 WEIGHT & BALANCE/ EQUIPMENT LIST AIRPLANE & SYSTEMS DESCRIPTIONS AIRPLANE HANDLING, 6 7 SERVICE & MAINTENANCE .... 8 SUPPLEMENTS (Optional Systems Description & Operating Procedures) 9 This handbook will be kept current by Service Letters published by Cessna Aircraft Company. These are distributed to Cessna Dealers and to those who subscribe through the Owner Follow-Up System. If you are not receiving subscription service, you will want to keep in touch with your Cessna Dealer for information concerning the change status of the handbook. Subsequent changes will be made in the form of stickers. These should be examined and attached to the appropriate page in the handbook immediately after receipt; the handbook should not be used for operational purposes until it has been updated to a current status. iii/(iv blank) CESSNA MODEL 172N SECTION 1 GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 GENERAL Three View Introduction Descriptive Data Engine Propeller Fuel Oil Maximum Certificated Weights Standard Airplane Weights Cabin And Entry Dimensions Baggage Space And Entry Dimensions Specific Loadings Symbols, Abbreviations And Terminology General Airspeed Terminology And Symbols Meteorological Terminology Engine Power Terminology Airplane Performance And Flight Planning Terminology Weight And Balance Terminology Page 1-2 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 . 1-4 1-5 1-5 1-5 1-5 1-5 1-6 1-6 1-6 1-7 1-7 • 1-8 1-1 1-2 SECTION 1 GENERAL * PIVOT POINT 6'-3" MAX. 26'-11". O 36' 5° NOTES: 11'-4" 1. 8'-42" Figure 1-1. Three View 2. CESSNA MODEL 172N 8'-9" MAX. Wing span shown with strobe lights installed. Maximum height shown with nose gear depressed, all tires and nose strut properly inflated, and flashing beacon installed. 3. Wheel base length is 65". 4. Propeller ground clearance is 11 3/4″. 5. Wing area is 174 square feet. 6. Minimum turning radius (* pivot point to outboard wing tip) is 27' 5½". * PIVOT POINT CESSNA MODEL 172N SECTION 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION This handbook contains 9 sections, and includes the material required to be furnished to the pilot by CAR Part 3. It also contains supplemental data supplied by Cessna Aircraft Company. Section 1 provides basic data and information of general interest. It also contains definitions or explanations of symbols, abbreviations, and terminology commonly used. DESCRIPTIVE DATA ENGINE Number of Engines: 1. Engine Manufacturer: Avco Lycoming. Engine Model Number: O-320-H2AD. Engine Type: Normally-aspirated, direct-drive, air-cooled, horizontally- opposed, carburetor equipped, four-cylinder engine with 320 cu. in. displacement. Horsepower Rating and Engine Speed: 160 rated BHP at 2700 RPM. PROPELLER Propeller Manufacturer: McCauley Accessory Division. Propeller Model Number: 1C160/DTM7557. Number of Blades: 2. Propeller Diameter, Maximum: 75 inches. Minimum: 74 inches. Propeller Type: Fixed pitch. FUEL Approved Fuel Grades (and Colors): 100LL Grade Aviation Fuel (Blue). 100 (Formerly 100/130) Grade Aviation Fuel (Green). 1-3 SECTION 1 GENERAL Fuel Capacity: CESSNA MODEL 172N Standard Tanks: Total Capacity: 43 gallons. Total Capacity Each Tank: 21.5 gallons. Total Usable: 40 gallons. Long Range Tanks: Total Capacity: 54 gallons. Total Capacity Each Tank: 27 gallons. Total Usable: 50 gallons. NOTE To ensure maximum fuel capacity when refueling, place

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the fuel selector valve in either LEFT or RIGHT position to prevent cross-feeding. OIL Oil Grade (Specification): MIL-L-6082 Aviation Grade Straight Mineral Oil: Use to replenish supply during first 25 hours and at the first 25-hour oil change. Continue to use until a total of 50 hours has accumulated or oil consumption has stabilized. NOTE The airplane was delivered from the factory with a corro- sion preventive aircraft engine oil. This oil should be drained after the first 25 hours of operation. MIL-L-22851 Ashless Dispersant Oil: This oil must be used after first 50 hours or consumption has stabilized. Recommended Viscosity for Temperature Range: MIL-L-6082 Aviation Grade Straight Mineral Oil: SAE 50 above 16°C (60°F). SAE 40 between -1°C (30°F) and 32°C (90°F). SAE 30 between -18°C (0°F) and 21°C (70°F). SAE 20 below -12°C (10°F). MIL-L-22851 Ashless Dispersant Oil: SAE 40 or SAE 50 above 16°C (60°F). SAE 40 between -1°C (30°F) and 32°C (90°F). SAE 30 or SAE 40 between -18°C (0°F) and 21°C (70°F). SAE 30 below -12°C (10°F). Oil Capacity: Sump: 6 Quarts. Total: 7 Quarts (if oil filter installed). 1-4 CESSNA MODEL 172N SECTION 1 GENERAL MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED WEIGHTS Takeoff, Normal Category: 2300 lbs. Utility Category: 2000 lbs. Landing, Normal Category: 2300 lbs. Utility Category: 2000 lbs. Weight in Baggage Compartment, Normal Category: Baggage Area 1 (or passenger on child's seat) - Station 82 to 108: 120 lbs. See note below. Baggage Area 2 - Station 108 to 142: 50 lbs. See note below. NOTE The maximum combined weight capacity for baggage areas 1 and 2 is 120 lbs. Weight in Baggage Compartment, Utility Category: In this category, the baggage compartment and rear seat must not be occupied. STANDARD AIRPLANE WEIGHTS Standard Empty Weight, Skyhawk: 1393 lbs. Skyhawk II: 1419 lbs. Maximum Useful Load: Normal Category Skyhawk: 907 lbs. Skyhawk II: 881 lbs. Utility Category 607 lbs. 581 lbs. CABIN AND ENTRY DIMENSIONS Detailed dimensions of the cabin interior and entry door openings are illustrated in Section 6. BAGGAGE SPACE AND ENTRY DIMENSIONS Dimensions of the baggage area and baggage door opening are illustrated in detail in Section 6. SPECIFIC LOADINGS Wing Loading: 13.2 lbs./sq. ft. Power Loading: 14.4 lbs./hp. 1-5 SECTION 1 GENERAL CESSNA MODEL 172N SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY GENERAL AIRSPEED TERMINOLOGY AND SYMBOLS KCAS KIAS KTAS A VFE VNO VNE VS √50 vx Vy Y Knots Calibrated Airspeed is indicated airspeed corrected for position and instrument error and expressed in knots. Knots calibrated airspeed is equal to KTAS in standard atmosphere at sea level. Knots Indicated Airspeed is the speed shown on the airspeed indicator and expressed in knots. Knots True Airspeed is the airspeed expressed in knots relative to undisturbed air which is KCAS corrected for altitude and temperature. Manuevering Speed is the maximum speed at which you may use abrupt control travel. Maximum Flap Extended Speed is the highest speed permissible with wing flaps in a prescribed extended position. Maximum Structural Cruising Speed is the speed that should not be exceeded except in smooth air, then only with caution. Never Exceed Speed is the speed limit that may not be exceeded at any time. Stalling Speed or the minimum steady flight speed at which the airplane is controllable. Stalling Speed or the minimum steady flight speed at which the airplane is controllable in the landing configu- ration at the most forward center of gravity. Best Angle-of-Climb Speed is the speed which results in the greatest gain of altitude in a given horizontal distance. Best Rate-of-Climb Speed is the speed which results in the greatest gain in altitude in a given time. METEOROLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY ОАТ Outside Air Temperature is the free air static temperature. 1-6 CESSNA MODEL 172N Standard Tempera- ture Pressure Altitude SECTION 1 GENERAL It is expressed in either degrees Celsius (formerly Centi- grade) or degrees Fahrenheit. Standard Temperature is 15°C at sea level pressure alti- tude and decreases by 2°C for each 1000 feet of altitude. Pressure Altitude is the altitude read from an altimeter when the altimeter's barometric scale has been set to 29.92 inches of mercury (1013 mb). ENGINE POWER TERMINOLOGY BHP RPM Static RPM Brake Horsepower is the power developed by the engine. Revolutions Per Minute is engine speed. Static RPM is engine speed attained during a full-throttle engine runup when the airplane is on the ground and stationary. AIRPLANE PERFORMANCE AND FLIGHT PLANNING TERMINOLOGY Demon- strated Crosswind Velocity Usable Fuel Unusable Fuel GPH NMPG مة g Demonstrated Crosswind Velocity is the velocity of the crosswind component for which adequate control of the airplane during takeoff and landing was actually demon- strated during certification tests. The value shown is not considered to be limiting. Usable Fuel is the fuel available for flight planning. Unusable Fuel is the quantity of fuel that can not be safely used in flight. Gallons Per Hour is the amount of fuel (in gallons) consumed per hour. Nautical Miles Per Gallon is the distance (in nautical miles) which can be expected per gallon of fuel consumed at a specific engine power setting and/or flight configura- tion. g is acceleration due to gravity. 1-7 SECTION 1 GENERAL CESSNA MODEL 172N WEIGHT AND BALANCE TERMINOLOGY Reference Datum Station Arm Moment Center of Gravity (C.G.) C.G. Arm C.G. Limits Standard Empty Weight Basic Empty Weight Useful Load Gross (Loaded) Weight Maximum Takeoff Weight Reference Datum is an imaginary vertical plane from which all horizontal distances are measured for balance purposes. Station is a location along the airplane fuselage given in terms of the distance from the reference datum. Arm is the horizontal distance from the reference datum to the center of gravity (C.G.) of an item. Moment is the product of the weight of an item multiplied by its arm. (Moment divided by the constant 1000 is used in this handbook to simplify balance calculations by reduc- ing the number of digits.) Center of Gravity is the point at which an airplane, or equipment, would balance if suspended. Its distance from the reference datum is found by dividing the total moment by the total weight of the airplane. Center of Gravity Arm is the arm obtained by adding the airplane's individual moments and dividing the sum by the total weight. Center of Gravity Limits are the extreme center of gravity locations within which the airplane must be operated at a given weight. Standard Empty Weight is the weight of a standard air- plane, including unusable fuel, full operating fluids and full engine oil. Basic Empty Weight is the standard empty weight plus the weight of optional equipment. Useful Load is the difference between takeoff weight and the basic empty weight. Gross (Loaded) Weight is the loaded weight of the airplane. Maximum Takeoff Weight is the maximum weight ap- proved for the start of the takeoff run. 1-8 CESSNA MODEL 172N SECTION 1 GENERAL Maximum Landing Weight Tare Maximum Landing Weight is the maximum weight ap- proved for the landing touchdown. Tare is the weight of chocks, blocks, stands, etc. used when weighing an airplane, and is included in the scale read- ings. Tare is deducted from the scale reading to obtain the actual (net) airplane weight. 1-9/(1-10 blank) CESSNA MODEL 172N SECTION 2 LIMITATIONS SECTION 2 LIMITATIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction Airspeed Limitations Airspeed Indicator Markings Power Plant Limitations Power Plant Instrument Markings Weight Limits Normal Category Utility Category Center Of Gravity Limits Normal Category Utility Category Maneuver Limits Normal Category Utility Category Flight Load Factor Limits Normal Category Utility Category Kinds Of Operation Limits Fuel Limitations Placards 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-5 2-6 2-6 2-6 2-7 2-7 2-7 2-7 2-7 2-7 2-7 2-8 2-8 2-8 2-9 2-9 2-10 2-1/(2-2 blank)