Flight Training Blog

Across the globe, many favor the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, a four-seater, single-engine aircraft crafted by the American Cessna Aircraft Company.

Background

Having taken its maiden flight in June 1955, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk has become an icon in aviation history. With over 44,000 units manufactured (over 1,400 of them produced and delivered in the first year alone), it stands as a beacon of success in general aviation—no other aircraft has surpassed this production number.

Furthermore, most pilots worldwide have flown and earned their wings precisely in the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Continue reading, and you’ll realize why…

1.     The safest of all single-engine aircraft

It should be your top priority to ensure the safety of your flight training, and the Cessna 172 Skyhawk offers precisely that.

Highly appreciated for its safety features, this aircraft has an incredibly low fatality rate of 0.56 fatal crashes per 100,000 flying hours compared to the industry standard of 1.2-1.4.

Its exceptional safety record underscores its reliability and the trust it is renowned for within the aviation community.

2.     Easy to operate

One of the main advantages aiding the operation of this aircraft is its tricycle landing gear that enhances stability and eases control during landing.

Because of the design, the center of gravity (COG) is in front of the main wheels, which helps to straighten the aircraft during landings when necessary.

If the aircraft is slightly misaligned, the weight distribution corrects the alignment, contributing to smoother landings and making it more forgiving for pilots, especially during training.

3.     Spacious and comfortable

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is bigger and more stable than the 150/152.

It has a capacity of four people, including a pilot, and two doors, so you have easy access and don’t have to climb over the wings, which is inevitable in some alternative aircraft. With the wings placed above the fuselage instead of underneath, Cessna 172 pilots are given far better visibility of the world around them without the wing area blocking their view.

It makes the entire experience easier for student pilots learning their way around the training aircraft, the skies, and runways alike.

4.     Endurable and reliable

In addition to the record-breaking production count, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk holds the record for the longest continuous flight (without landing) for a single-engine aircraft.

The flight took 64 days, 22 hours, and 19 minutes, evidence of the aircraft’s endurance and reliability.

5.     Equipped with advanced technology

With simplistic flight characteristics, enhanced visibility, and a sophisticated glass cockpit equipped with GARMIN G1000 avionics, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk boasts a slow landing speed and a lenient stall.

These characteristics and integrated cockpit avionics let you keep the classic look of your standby instruments while upgrading to a modern, sleek glass touchscreen display.

It makes the plane ideally suited for pilot training.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk stands out among its competitors because it offers a combination of safety, ease of operation, endurance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

BAA Training has recently reinforced its trust in the excellence of this aircraft by placing an order for 48 Cessna 172 Skyhawks, which will considerably expand its current fleet. Once delivered, the aircraft will be utilized for top-notch flight training at our base in Lleida-Alguaire and later at new bases we plan to add in other European locations in the coming years.

With no exaggeration, it is the most successful aircraft with world-class performance!