Cessna 172 Skyhawk marks 70 years of excellence and continues to lead the industry as the most popular aircraft in the world

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk marks 70 years of flight this month, as it continues to lead the industry as the most popular aircraft in the world. The iconic high-wing Cessna 172, now known as the Skyhawk, first took flight in June 1955. Through the intervening decades, more than 45,000 172s have been delivered to customers across the globe.  

“As the most popular aircraft in aviation history, the Cessna Skyhawk’s 70 years of success in pilot training and aviation programs highlight the aircraft’s exceptional design and enduring performance,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “With our ongoing dedication to innovation, including the recent enhancements to the Cessna piston lineup, we look forward to seeing the Skyhawk continue to inspire the journey of flight as the go-to aircraft for flight schools and private pilots across the world.” 

Customers taking delivery of the aircraft today enjoy new, modern features added to the legendary aircraft last year, including powered headset jacks, black instrument panels and upgraded seats for comfort and durability.

The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training. In 2015, Textron Aviation introduced the Top Hawk program to provide students with access to Skyhawks, the world’s most popular trainer aircraft. The program connects students from flight schools and universities with factory-new Cessna Skyhawks, supporting the industry with a robust pipeline of skilled aviators. Nearly 50 Cessna Skyhawks have been placed with various flight schools and universities as part of the program, both in the U.S. and the first U.K. recipient this year.

Learn more about the Cessna Skyhawk at cessna.com/piston/cessna-skyhawk.