The 172 has been around since the 1950s. More produced than any other aircraft in history. The 2023 model continues the tradition with modern updates.
What’s Under the Hood
Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. 180 horsepower. Four cylinders, fuel injected. Reliable as dirt.
Cruise speed around 124 knots. Range about 640 nautical miles with the 56-gallon tank. Nothing flashy but gets the job done.
The Avionics Upgrade
Garmin G1000 NXi is standard now. Glass cockpit with PFD and MFD screens. Integrated autopilot. Synthetic vision that shows you terrain and obstacles in 3D.
Old-school pilots miss the steam gauges. New pilots benefit from learning modern systems from day one.
Why It’s Still The Standard
High wing gives great visibility and easy entry. Stable, predictable handling perfect for training. Stalls gently with plenty of warning.
Parts available everywhere. Every mechanic knows them. Decades of institutional knowledge on what breaks and how to fix it.
Costs
Base price is competitive for the segment. Operating costs are reasonable – fuel efficient, maintenance is straightforward, insurance rates are lower because of the safety record.
Who It’s For
Student pilots. Flying clubs. Small charter operations. Anyone needing a reliable four-seat trainer that won’t surprise them.
It’s not exciting. It’s not cutting edge. It’s the Toyota Camry of aviation – and that’s exactly why it keeps selling decade after decade.
