Cessna 172 - Cost to Own

Today we look at the Cessna 172. We talk about everything you want to know about how this aircraft performs and what it costs to own and operate. We cover each version of this aircraft so you'll know exactly what you're looking at and what you're shopping for. This is a history, spec sheet and buyers guide rolled into one.

[VictoryAviation]

Well hell... I actually learned a lot in this video about what changed when.

Another fun fact: The C172 still holds the world record for the longest endurance flight ever conducted, which started in 1958 and ended in 1959. The flight lasted over two months without ever touching the ground!!! It's an amazing feat of engineering and pilot willpower. The actual plane that beat the record is hanging in the Las Vegas Mccarran Airport over the baggage claim.

[scottfranco]

Nice video. Never would have believed the 172s would reach $150k and higher. Bought mine for $57k in 1998.

[DrMerle-gwwj]

Fit a 172 with flap seals it is incredibly hard to stall. I went up with my flight instructor when I was learning to fly and on that session we were to do power off stalls, among other things. At his direction I gave it carb heat, reduced power to idle, and pulled back on the yoke as far as it would go. It just started gently settling down with the nose elevated. Finally he let me in on how the flap seals were working and showed me the way to trick the 172 into doing a power off stall. Get the nose all the way up by pulling the yoke all the way back, slowly move the yoke forward a little, then very quickly pull the yoke all back again very quickly.

Remember, if it can't stall, it can't spin. It's really a great airplane.

[cessnaident]

I took my first flight in a “R.” Later I trained in a “N”, and today I rent a “D.” Funny how I went from newest to oldest. The latter still beats out other newer 172s due to its constant speed prop, which the owner opted for.

[peterellison]

Finally, a breakdown of all the 172 models! I just learned a lot in 7 mins, thank you

[dylanmobius]

Currently learning on a 172 and now I’m looking to buy one. Going to have to wait for the market to crash to pick one up

[midweekpowderhound]

Didn't read all 135 comments... but you left out the 172XP, had 195hp 6 cyl continental with a constant speed prop. Built mostly for seaplane operators. Didn't do well with wheeled customers as it was slower than the Archer with a bigger fuel burn.

[cameronmolt]

Finished my PPL in a G model. It's a great trainer and a confidence builder.

[voyd]

Would love to see a detailed video like this about all the Mooney M20’s!

[lvrally]

Very cool. The "S" with G1000 really takes away from useful load as well. All those batteries take up some of the useful load. Great airplane though.

[ds]

Always love the 172! got my PPL, CPL, IR in the P and S model both analog and G1000~!

[paulepstein]

Excited to view this excellent video for the first time as I’m a new 172 owner. Even more excited to see my airplane featured as the 1965 F model, N5455R. And I’m fact you correctly identify the addition of electric flaps and that’s the only thing I would like to change about my airplane :). Thanks for a great video.

[yalyosha]

I really love your videos. Quick and to the point, and very informative.

Can you do a breakdown (perhaps in a blog or something) of how you calculate cost per mile/hour?

[fsffs]

You forgot another nice model, the Reims Rocket, licence built in Reims, France late sixties early seventies, 210 hp, constat speed prop, an auxiliary fuel tank behind the baggage compartment an a huge payload. I'm forgetting the details because I haven't flown one in about 30 years but I think it had a max endurance of more than 8 hours at 55%. Some were used for para dropping. Some got converted to 3 blade props due to noise issues but most are grounded by now.

[chrisambrose]

I love my k model! I’ve had her for 31 years now and for me, there’s no better airplane! 🖖🏻. FYI….the original owner bought it April 1969 and paid $10, 000 for it! I payed $15k for it in 1990.

[johnbridges]

The Cessna, s 150 and 152 are Splendid aircraft, great to fly and very forgiving, and buying either aircraft you will Never lose money, a great investment.
An excellent aircraft of which to learn to fly.

[Aced]

I enjoy flying this plane virtually in X-Plane 11 in VR. Hoping to get my PPL in the near future.

[wp]

I am very interested in the Mooney differences in the E and F models plus the Super 21. Would love to see that video.

[martylinane]

stellar work.. never seen the variant's side by side before... thank you

[tritonlending]

excellent video. Pace was perfect and so are the graphics.