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Student pilot taxiing a Cessna 172 on their first solo. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
One of the most well-known aircraft manufacturers for flight training is Cessna. Flight training can be done in many airplanes. Cessna is one of the oldest and most trusted companies for flight training and they have a variety of airplanes to choose from. Here are five reasons that the Cessna 172 is the best aircraft that Cessna makes for those starting flight training.
Affordable maintenance
Almost every aircraft mechanic knows how to work on a Cessna 172. The simple design and the demand for Cessna maintenance have made it a common aircraft for aircraft mechanics to work and train on. The parts for 172s are also affordable due to the large amount of Cessna 172s that were made and because the aircraft is still being manufactured to this day. Affordable maintenance and the ease of finding someone to work on a Cessna make the 172 a great option to train in.
Easy aircraft to learn
The Cessna 172 is popular for many reasons, one being the ease of the procedures and aircraft systems. The 172 is easier to learn than other Cessnas that have a constant speed propeller and cowl flaps, such as the Cessna 182. The larger flight controls on the Cessna 172 make the aircraft easier to perform private pilot and commercial maneuvers compared to the Cessna 152.
Widely available
The Cessna 172 is the most popular training aircraft and can easily be found for rent amongst flight schools. If you are in the market to purchase a training aircraft, you are in luck. The Cessna 172 is the most produced aircraft of all time with over 44,000 aircraft manufactured. 172s are easy to come across and there are a lot to choose from at any given time.
Training resources centered around the Cessna 172
Many training resources including books, training videos, and even publications produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focus on the maneuvers, procedures, and systems found in the Cessna 172. These resources can help students learn faster and have a more in-depth understanding of the 172.
Versatile aircraft
The Cessna 172 is a versatile aircraft. It is great for flight training, personal use, cross-countries and business use, and is sought after for pipeline patrol and aerial survey. The many uses for the 172 make it a great aircraft to know how to fly. The many uses of the aircraft assist in retaining the aircraft's retail value for those wanting to invest in a 172 for training purposes. Learning to fly a 172 can also help pilots with future jobs that operate a Cessna fleet.RELATED STORY:The 7 differences between a Cessna 152 and Cessna 172
Choosing an aircraft can be daunting. Cessna is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to flight training. The Cessna 172 is one of the best aircraft that Cessna has when it comes to training. There are many aircraft to choose from but the 172 comes out on top when compared to other aircraft and Cessnas.