Cessna 172 Skyhawk Pre-Buy Checklist
Single Piston · 1956-present · 28,500 active
Purchase Price
$30K-$200K
Prebuy Items
8
5 critical
ADs
2
1 recurring
Insurance
$1,915
per year (experienced)
Pre-Buy Inspection Checklist
8 items to check · 5 critical · 2 important
engine
Compression test all cylinders
Look for readings below 60/80. Differential compression below this indicates potential top overhaul needed.
Check oil filter for metal
Cut open the oil filter and inspect for metal particles. Any ferrous metal is a red flag.
Review engine logbook for hot starts/overheating
Repeated hot starts can damage cylinders. Check maintenance entries for pattern.
airframe
Inspect nose gear firewall for cracks
Common hard-landing damage point. Cracks require firewall repair or replacement.
Check seat rail AD compliance
AD 2011-10-09 — seat rail lock mechanism. Ensure compliance documented in logs.
Inspect flap actuator and tracks
Worn flap tracks cause uneven deployment. Check for play and corrosion.
corrosion
Check wing spar carry-through
Inspect for corrosion at the wing spar carry-through structure, especially in coastal aircraft.
avionics
Verify ADS-B Out compliance
Required for Class B/C airspace. Older 172s may need transponder and GPS upgrade.
Airworthiness Directives
2 ADs on record · 1 recurring
| AD Number | Title | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-10-09Recurring | Seat Rail Lock Inspection | $500 |
| 84-10-01 | Engine Mount Inspection | $3,000 |
Known Maintenance Issues
12 FAA Service Difficulty Reports (2015-2024)
Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reports (SDR). Higher counts may reflect fleet size.
Safety Record (NTSB)
Public incident data · 1982-2025
914
Total Incidents
906
Accidents
157
Fatal
32.1
Per 1K Fleet
Raw public data from NTSB. Not a safety grade. Compare with fleet size and hours flown.
Purchase Price by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cessna 172 Skyhawk cost?
Typical purchase price: $30K-$200K
What should I check before buying a Cessna 172 Skyhawk?
There are 8 key items to inspect, including 5 critical items.
How much is insurance for a Cessna 172 Skyhawk?
Experienced pilots: $1,915-$2,340/year.
Are there any known issues with the Cessna 172 Skyhawk?
There are 2 airworthiness directives (1 recurring) to be aware of.
Cost Summary
Engine
Read the Full Guide
Model years, known issues, what to inspect, and real ownership costs.
Cessna 172 Skyhawk GuideDisclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always hire a qualified A&P mechanic for a professional pre-buy inspection. Data sourced from FAA records and industry benchmarks.