The Cessna 172 (ICAO type C172) is an aircraft of United States origin, certificated in the Normal, Utility category. It has a maximum take-off weight of 1,100 kg. It offers a maximum range of 580 nm, a cruise speed of 114 knots, a service ceiling of 15,000 ft and seating for up to 4 across its variants.
Cessna 172
Fleet & certification
- Built
- 29,910
- Active
- 29,755
- Origin
- United States
Comparable listings
235 for sale right now
Per-variant specifications
| Variant | Engine | MTOW | Range | Cruise | Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 172 | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172A 172A | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172B 172B | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172C 172C | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172D 172D | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172E 172E | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172F (USAF T-41A) 172F (USAF T-41A) | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172G 172G | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172H (USAF T-41A) 172H (USAF T-41A) | — | — | — | — | — |
| 172I 172I | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172K 172K | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172L 172L | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172M 172M | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172N 172N | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172P 172P | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172Q 172Q | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| 172R 172R | — | 1,100–1,200 kg | 580–700 nm | 114–140 kt | 4 |
| 172RG 172RG | — | 1,100–1,200 kg | 580–700 nm | 114–140 kt | 4 |
| 172S 172S | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| F172D F172D | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| F172E F172E | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| F172F F172F | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| F172G F172G | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| F172H F172H | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
| F172K F172K | — | 1,100 kg | 580 nm | 114 kt | 4 |
The FAA paperwork
TCDS 3A12 · Rev 82 · issued 2011-12-20
- Category
- Normal, Utility
- MTOW
- 998 kg
- Seats
- 4 passengers
- Fuel
- 159 L
Continental O-300-A or O-300-B, 145 hp
Part 3 of the Civil Air Regulations effective November 1, 1949, as amended by 3-1 through 3-12.
Where to look next
Cessna 172 market & fleet intelligence
Registry, flight-tracking and market data on the Cessna 172 fleet — updated daily.
51 yearsmedian age
Of the 22,633 registered Cessna 172 with a known build year (76% of the 29,910 we track), the median age is 51 years.
957changed registration in 12 months
957 of the 29,910 registered Cessna 172 we track changed registration in the last 12 months (3% of the fleet), across 957 registration events. Registration changes include ownership transfers, re-registrations and address updates — not all are sales.
- Aircraft seen flying
- 2,545
- Tracked flights
- 26,169
- Tracked flight hours
- 42,640
- Share of fleet flying
- 9%
2,545 Cessna 172 were tracked flying in the last 90 days (9% of the registered fleet), across 26,169 flights. Sprinkle flight tracking began May 2026; coverage is ADS-B-derived and not exhaustive.
236Cessna 172 listed for sale
Asking prices from $3K to $2.2M, typically $93K–$176K — based on 456 USD asking prices on Sprinkle, not an appraisal.
Cessna 172 manuals & documents
50 documents for the Cessna 172 — Pilot's Operating Handbook · Checklist · Flight Manual · Maintenance Manual · Training Manual · Service Bulletins · Weight & Balance · Specifications · Other Documents · Model Guide · Emergency Procedures · Avionics Manual · Supplemental Type Certificate · Airworthiness Directives · Normal Procedures. PDFs served from cdn.sprinkle.com.
The Cessna 172S Maneuver Guide serves as a reference for pilots operating the Cessna 172S aircraft. It outlines various flight maneuvers, including takeoffs, landings, and stalls, providing detailed procedures and performance standards for both private and commercial pilots. The guide emphasizes the importance of checklist usage and proper flight instruction, ensuring that pilots adhere to safety protocols while flying. It includes specific airspeeds, configurations, and callouts for different maneuvers, making it a practical tool for training and proficiency.
- Rotate at 55 KIAS for takeoff.
- Pitch for Vy at 74 KIAS during climb.
- Maintain 90 KIAS on downwind during landing.
- Use 65 KIAS with 30° flaps on final approach.
- Perform a Pre-Maneuver Checklist before stalls.
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.
Pilot's Operating Handbook
Checklist
Flight Manual
Maintenance Manual
- ReadInstructions for Continued Airworthiness Tail Tie-Down Replacement2025720 KB · via aircraftspruce.com
- ReadLANDING GEAR - MAIN LANDING GEAR BUSHING INSPECTION202312 pages · 970 KB · via www.gocivilairpatrol.com
- ReadSkyView HDX - Autopilot Servo Installation & Maintenance Manual202255 pages · 4.8 MB · via www.dynoncertified.com
Training Manual
Service Bulletins
- ReadMandatory Service Bulletin - Kit for STC SA011869WI2025540 KB · via aircraftspruce.com
- ReadCessna 172 Roll Servo Cable Guard, Rev B20259 pages · 1.6 MB · via www.dynoncertified.com
- ReadELECTRICAL POWER - ALTERNATOR CONTROL UNIT (ACU) AND CONNECTOR OBSOLESCENCE202410 pages · 765 KB · via www.aircraftspruce.com
- ReadFUEL - FUEL STRAINER BOWL INSPECTION20238 pages · 126 KB · via cessnaowner.org
- ReadService Bulletin SB-1220235 pages · 297 KB · via www.mcfarlaneaviation.com
Weight & Balance
Other Documents
Model Guide
- ReadCESSNA F-172 H Model Guide202648 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172M Model Guide202648 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172B Model Guide202647 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172S Skyhawk Model Guide202653 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA FR172G Model Guide202647 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA R172K HAWK XP Model Guide202650 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172P SKYHAWK Model Guide202651 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCessna 172 Skyhawk Model Guide202649 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172Q CUTLASS Model Guide202650 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172N SKYHAWK Model Guide202650 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172H Model Guide202647 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172R SKYHAWK Model Guide202648 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172E SKYHAWK Model Guide202648 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172S SKYHAWK SP Model Guide202650 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCessna 172RG Cutlass Model Guide202649 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172M SKYHAWK Model Guide202652 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172L SKYHAWK Model Guide202648 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA FR172J Model Guide202647 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadReims-Cessna F172 Model Guide202651 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172K Skyhawk Model Guide202651 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172C Model Guide202648 KB · via sprinkle.com
- ReadCESSNA 172 Model Guide202650 KB · via sprinkle.com
Emergency Procedures
Avionics Manual
Supplemental Type Certificate
Airworthiness Directives
Documents are sourced from publicly available references. Sprinkle does not host OEM-restricted materials; if you are a rights-holder and want a document removed, email .
What is the range of the Cessna 172?
The Cessna 172 has a maximum range of 580 nautical miles across variants.
How many people can the Cessna 172 carry?
The Cessna 172 seats up to 4 across its variants.
What is the MTOW of the Cessna 172?
The Cessna 172's maximum take-off weight is 1,100 kg.
What is the ICAO type designator for the Cessna 172?
The Cessna 172's ICAO type designator is C172.
How many Cessna 172 aircraft are registered worldwide?
Sprinkle tracks 29,910 registered Cessna 172 airframes worldwide.
Registered 172 aircraft
Individual 172 airframes by tail number — registration history, operator and lineage.
- N26112· 2026
- N765SA· 2026
- N947VA· 2026
- N89LU· 2026
- N907SE· 2026
- N548ER· 2026
- N915AF· 2026
- N713SA· 2026
- N207SF· 2026
- N201WL· 2026
- N779SA· 2026
- N825PK· 2026
- N484CS· 2026
- N939AF· 2026
- N232FF· 2026
- N234FF· 2026
- N890ER· 2026
- N626EP· 2026
- N810ER· 2026
- N332MC· 2026
- N778SA· 2026
- N872ER· 2026
- N776MW· 2026
- N595MS· 2026