Cessna 172P Skyhawk

The Cessna 172P Skyhawk is a four-seat, high-wing, fixed-tricycle-gear piston single produced during the 1980s. It uses the carbureted Lycoming O-320-D2J rated at 160 hp and has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,400 lb.

The 172P followed the 172N and retained the 160 hp power class while introducing a different Lycoming O-320 engine variant. It was one of the final fixed-gear 172 variants produced before the later production hiatus.

The Cessna 172P followed the 172N in the Skyhawk line and is associated with model years 1981 through 1986. It retained the four-seat, high-wing configuration of earlier 172 variants but used the Lycoming O-320-D2J engine.

The 172P remained in the 160 hp class but increased maximum takeoff weight to 2,400 lb compared with the 2,300 lb limit used on the standard 172N.

Production of the fixed-gear Cessna 172 later paused before resuming with the fuel-injected 172R in the 1990s.

Standard fuel capacity is 43 U.S. gallons total with 40 gallons usable. A long-range fuel configuration provides 54 gallons total with 50 gallons usable.

Some 172P aircraft were approved with other fuel configurations, so fuel capacity should be confirmed from the POH or AFM, supplements and aircraft records applicable to the individual airplane.

The 172P model designation identifies the basic certified variant, but fuel installation, avionics, equipment and approved modifications can differ between individual aircraft.

For operating limitations and weight and balance, use the POH or AFM, supplements, equipment list and current weight and balance records for the specific aircraft.

The 172P and 172N are both 160 hp Skyhawk variants, but they use different Lycoming O-320 engine models. The 172P uses the O-320-D2J, while the 172N uses the O-320-H2AD.

The standard 172P also has a higher maximum takeoff weight: 2,400 lb compared with 2,300 lb for the standard 172N. Loading limits and weight and balance data therefore should be selected for the exact model and aircraft configuration.

Cessna 172P weight and balance calculations must use the loading limits and station data applicable to the exact aircraft configuration, together with the current basic empty weight and moment or arm for the individual airplane.

Fuel configuration is particularly important because different approved fuel installations exist within the 172P fleet. Occupants, fuel and baggage must be loaded within the limits specified for the individual aircraft.

The current POH or AFM, supplements, equipment list and aircraft weight and balance records remain the controlling references.