The Most Built Aircraft: Cessna 172 Skyhawk

When Cessna Aircraft company wanted to modify its Cessna 170 in the late 1950's; little did they know that they were going to change history.

They modified their taildragger 170 model into a tri cycle landing gear variant which what we now call as the Legendary Cessna 172.

While Cessna 170 was a success itself with around 5000 built in less than 8 years, 172 became an overnight success with more than  1400 being built in its first year.

Cessna 172 came to be celebrated worldwide because of it astonishing simplicity and reliability.

It was so successful that it  became the most produced aircraft in the world.

More than 43,000 Cessna 172 were built ( including all variants).

43,000. Wow. Just wow.

The total built number of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 sums up to less than 15,000.

I know I'm comparing apples and oranges  here. Cessna 172 is in a different aviation market when comparing to 737 and 320. 

My point is, how many small aircraft have been built the same way?

Cessna 172 Skyhawk has a powerful impact in aviation industry. Cessna 172 is successful in many level. Be it design, cost, maintenance, reliability etc.

It's being used for various  purposes around the world ( including military).

With its simplicity and brilliant design aspects and attributes; Cessna 172 Skyhawk is one of the most popular aircraft in the world.

I am sure that all pilots at one time of their life has flown this bird. And with that flight it won over their hearts.

It's one of the legends of aviation.

Thank You for reading. 

Until next time, this is CK signing off.