From the Cockpit — Later Model Cessna 172s

Later Model Cessna 172 Skyhawks

The new, incoming powered Skyhawk models continued the basic philosophy of the earlier aircraft, offering solid, reliable (in most cases) and predictable transport for four people but with increasing levels of refinement and equipment fit as time went on. The Lycoming engine promised to be a more economical proposition than the Continental with a 2000 hours time between overhaul (TBO) as opposed to 1800 hours, and its four (rather than six) cylinder layout provided less expensive overhaul costs. In addition, the O-320 produced 150hp (112kW), five horsepower or four kilowatts more than before.

Developing the Theme

Long term continued production of the 172 was not part of Cessna’s plan when it introduced the 1968 Model 172I Skyhawk with Lycoming power. The latter months of 1967 had witnessed the release of the 172’s intended successor, the Model 177 Cardinal. Here was a design which was much more modern in its appearance with a strutless cantilever high wing and rakish lines. It was powered by the same 150hp (112kW) Lycoming O-320-E as the new Skyhawk, release of which was delayed while the Cardinal was presented to Cessna dealers and the public and while engineering changes necessary for the new engine installation were made.

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