CESSNA 172 SERIES

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Series for Sale — The Most Produced Aircraft in History

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk holds the most significant production record in aviation history: more examples have been built than any other aircraft ever manufactured. Since its introduction in 1956 as a tricycle-gear evolution of the Cessna 170, over 44,000 Skyhawks have rolled off production lines in Wichita, Kansas — a number that reflects not just commercial success but the aircraft's fundamental correctness as a design for the general aviation training and personal flying mission. The 172 is where the overwhelming majority of the world's pilots learn to fly, and it continues to serve that role at flight schools on every inhabited continent.

The Skyhawk Through the Decades

• 172 / 172A-172M (1956–1976) — The classic era Skyhawks, Continental O-300 and then Lycoming O-320 powered, defining the look and feel that pilots worldwide associate with the Cessna training experience.
• 172N (1977–1980) — Lycoming O-320-H2AD, fuel efficiency improvements reflecting the energy crisis era.
• 172P (1981–1986) — Lycoming O-320-D2J at 160 hp, the last of the classic production era before the production hiatus.
• 172R Skyhawk (1996–present) — Production resumed with Lycoming IO-360-L2A at 160 hp, modern avionics options, and updated systems for the contemporary market.
• 172S Skyhawk SP (1998–present) — 180 hp Lycoming IO-360-L2A, higher gross weight, enhanced useful load, Garmin G1000 NXi in current production.

Why the 172 Market Is Always Active

The sheer volume of Cessna 172s produced creates the deepest and most liquid pre-owned aircraft market in general aviation. Buyers can choose from examples spanning seven decades of production at every price point from under $30,000 for early models to over $400,000 for current production aircraft. Parts availability is unmatched — the 172 is the reference standard against which all other light aircraft parts availability is measured. Maintenance knowledge is universal — finding an A&P unfamiliar with Cessna 172 maintenance is effectively impossible in any major aviation market. And resale value is reliable and well-understood, reducing the financial risk of ownership compared to more obscure types.

Find Your Cessna 172 Skyhawk on Airplane Trade

Browse Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft spanning all production years and variants on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Training fleet disposals, personal aircraft, IFR-equipped cross-country machines, and factory-new examples available. Find the Skyhawk that fits your budget, mission, and experience level on Airplane Trade today.