Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Single Piston · 1956-present · 28,500 active US registrations
Purchase Price
$30K-$200K
Horsepower
180 hp
Fuel Burn
8.6 gph
Cruise Speed
122 kts
Cost/Hour
$67.00/hr
US Fleet
28,500
Ownership Cost Summary
Purchase
$30K-$200K
Annual Fixed
$5K-$12K
/yr
Hourly Variable
$67.00/hr
/flight hour
5-Year Total
$89K-$325K
Cost estimates based on published data and industry averages. Actual costs vary by condition, location, usage, and maintenance history.0
Specifications & Engine
Note: Specs shown for the 172S (1998–present, IO-360, 180 hp). Earlier models (1956–1986) typically use the O-320 at 150 hp.
Performance
Engine & Weights
Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet, ENGINE.txt registry. TBO and overhaul costs from industry standard data.
Market Prices by Year
Typical asking prices. Actual prices vary by condition, total time, avionics, and engine time.
Similar Single Piston Aircraft
Compare the 172 Skyhawk to other single piston aircraft.
Insurance Estimates
Annual hull + liability premiums by pilot experience.
Hangared aircraft save 15-30% on premiums
Covered tiedown vs. open tiedown also affects rates.
Rates are estimates only and vary by hull value, pilot experience, training, location, and carrier. Contact an aviation insurance broker for accurate quotes.
Safety Record
NTSB data, 1982-2025.
914
Total Reports
906
Accidents
157
Fatal
32.1
Per 1K Fleet
Raw NTSB report counts. Not a safety rating. Factors including fleet size, flight hours, pilot demographics, and mission profile affect rates.
Maintenance Reports
FAA SDR data, 2015-2024.
12
Service Difficulty Reports
Top Systems Reported
SDRs are mandatory reports filed by maintenance facilities when defects are found. Higher counts may reflect larger fleet size and better reporting, not necessarily lower reliability.
Fuel Cost
8.6 gph at ~$6.50/gal 100LL
$56
/hr
$5,590
100 hrs
$11,180
200 hrs
Prices vary by region. View by state.
Fleet & Registration
28,500
Active US Registrations
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (active, valid registrations).
Type Clubs
More from Cessna
Airworthiness Directives
ADs applicable to this model. Compliance depends on individual airframe history.
| AD Number | Title | Recurring | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-10-09 | Seat Rail Lock Inspection Inspect seat track roller and lock mechanism. Applies to Cessna 100/200 series. | Yes | $500 |
| 84-10-01 | Engine Mount Inspection Inspect engine mount for cracks, especially at lower mount pads. | $3,000 |
Hangar Cost at Your Airport
Popular Avionics Upgrades
Common avionics upgrades for single piston aircraft. Prices include typical installation.
GPS / Navigator
Garmin GTN 650Xi
PopularGarmin
$10,800 - $16,000
~20hr install
Avidyne IFD440
Avidyne
$9,000 - $13,000
~14hr install
Avidyne IFD550
Avidyne
$14,000 - $19,000
~16hr install
Garmin GNX 375
Garmin
$6,000 - $8,500
~16hr install
Garmin GTN 750Xi
Garmin
$16,000 - $22,000
~24hr install
Autopilot
Garmin GFC 500
PopularGarmin
$7,000 - $12,000
~40hr install
TruTrak Vizion
TruTrak (Honeywell)
$6,000 - $9,000
~30hr install
Garmin GFC 600
Garmin
$15,000 - $22,000
~50hr install
Glass Panel / EFIS
Garmin G5
PopularGarmin
$2,200 - $3,500
~8hr install
Garmin G500 TXi
Garmin
$11,000 - $17,000
~30hr install
Dynon SkyView HDX
Dynon Avionics
$4,500 - $8,000
~20hr install
Aspen EFD1000 Pro MAX
Aspen Avionics
$6,000 - $10,000
~16hr install
Garmin GI 275
Garmin
$3,500 - $5,500
~10hr install
ADS-B Transponder
Garmin GTX 345
PopularGarmin
$4,500 - $6,500
~12hr install
Appareo Stratus ESG
Appareo
$3,000 - $4,500
~10hr install
uAvionix tailBeaconX
uAvionix
$1,800 - $2,500
~4hr install
L3Harris Lynx NGT-9000
L3Harris
$5,000 - $7,500
~14hr install
Engine Monitor
JPI EDM-930
PopularJP Instruments
$3,500 - $5,500
~16hr install
Insight G4
Insight Avionics
$2,500 - $4,000
~12hr install
Electronics International MVP-50P
Electronics International
$4,000 - $6,000
~18hr install
JPI EDM-900
JP Instruments
$2,800 - $4,500
~14hr install
Transponder
Garmin GTX 345
PopularGarmin
$4,500 - $6,500
~12hr install
Garmin GTX 335
Garmin
$3,200 - $4,800
~10hr install
Garmin GTX 345R
Garmin
$4,000 - $6,000
~14hr install
Audio Panel
Garmin GMA 345
PopularGarmin
$2,800 - $4,000
~8hr install
Garmin GMA 245
Garmin
$1,600 - $2,500
~6hr install
PS Engineering PAR200B
PS Engineering
$2,500 - $3,500
~8hr install
Com Radio
Garmin GTR 225A
PopularGarmin
$2,500 - $3,500
~8hr install
Garmin GTR 205
Garmin
$2,000 - $3,000
~10hr install
Trig TY96A
Trig Avionics
$2,800 - $4,000
~8hr install
Prices are approximate installed costs and vary by shop, aircraft, and existing wiring. STC approval may be required. Always verify compatibility with your specific airframe.
Find a Maintenance Shop
4,000+ FAA-certified repair stations across all 50 states.
Browse Maintenance ShopsPrebuy Checklist
Key inspection items. Always have a qualified A&P/IA perform a thorough prebuy inspection.
engine
Compression test all cylinders
~$8,000Check oil filter for metal
~$15,000Review engine logbook for hot starts/overheating
~$3,000airframe
Inspect nose gear firewall for cracks
~$5,000Check seat rail AD compliance
~$500Inspect flap actuator and tracks
~$1,500corrosion
Check wing spar carry-through
~$12,000avionics
Verify ADS-B Out compliance
~$4,000Cessna 172 Skyhawk Buyer's Guide
Model years, known issues, what to inspect, and real ownership costs — everything you need before buying.
Tools for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Trip Cost Calculator
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Partnership Splitter
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Budget Planner
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Insurance Quotes
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What's My Plane Worth?
Estimate market value based on specs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cessna 172 Skyhawk cost?
A Cessna 172 Skyhawk typically sells for $30,000 to $200,000 depending on year, condition, total time, and avionics.
How much does it cost per hour to fly a Cessna 172 Skyhawk?
The variable cost is approximately $67.00/hr, including fuel, oil, and engine reserve.
What is the fuel burn of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk?
Approximately 8.6 gallons per hour at normal cruise.
What are the annual costs of owning a Cessna 172 Skyhawk?
Annual fixed costs run $5,115 to $11,540/yr before fuel and engine reserves.
How much does an engine overhaul cost on a Cessna 172 Skyhawk?
$25,000 to $35,000, TBO of 2,000 hours.
How fast does a Cessna 172 Skyhawk fly?
Cruises at approximately 122 knots with a range of 640 nm.
How many Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft are still flying?
There are 28,500 Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft with active US registrations according to the FAA Aircraft Registry.
Important Disclaimer
All cost estimates, specifications, and data on HangarMath are provided for informational and educational purposes only. This information does not constitute financial, legal, or aviation safety advice. Aircraft ownership involves significant financial risk, and actual costs can vary dramatically from estimates shown here. Always conduct your own due diligence, hire a qualified A&P/IA mechanic for prebuy inspections, consult with an aviation attorney for purchase agreements, and work with a certified financial advisor before making aircraft purchase decisions. HangarMath makes no warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented. We are not responsible for any financial losses, property damage, personal injury, or death that may result from decisions made based on information found on this site.