Cessna 172 & 172 II Difference?

[russ farmer]

I am in the market for my first plane and have been looking at 172's and 182's but would also like to understand the difference (if their is any) between a 172 and a 172 II. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Russ

[Denny of Oakland]

First, aircraft such as Cessna’s are called by their designator (make and model). A Cessna 172 is a CE-172 A, CE-172 B, and so no to CE-172-S. The Cessna 172 II you are referring to is a Cessna Hawk XP. This aircraft is the muscle-bound Skyhawk. The (XP) means extra performance. Aside from the nameplate it’s hard to tell the Hawk II from a Skywawk. The big difference is the constant speed prop and cowl flaps.

The type certificate data sheet (TCDS or T/C) is 3A12 and is free to down load from the FAA web site www.faa.gov. The T/C has all the spec’s on it about both aircraft.

The basis Model 172, 4 PCLM (Normal Category), approved November 4, 1955; 2 PCLM (Utility Category), approved December 14, 1956. This aircraft certification basic for the CE-172 was under CAR-3 and is very different the newer CE-172-P models built under Part 23.

This is from the TCDS under Certification Basic:
Part 3 of the Civil Air Regulations effective November 1, 1949, as amended by 3-1 through 3-12. In addition, effective S/N 17271035 and on, FAR 23.1559 effective March 1, 1978. FAR 36 dated December 1, 1969, plus Amendments 36-1 through 36-5 for Model 172N; FAR 36 dated December 1, 1969, plus Amendments 36-1 through 36-12 for Model 172P through 172Q. In addition, effective S/N 17276260 and on, FAR 23.1545(a), Amendment 23-23 dated December 1, 1978.

The T/C will show you the engine/propeller combinations what’s installed and so on. Take note some CE-172 are allowed to use auto gas using a STC. The CE-172-N does not allow the auto gas STC. There is a good reason for this. I would be careful in your purchase of an aircraft that has used auto gas as the cylinder may and I say may have damage. As will all the rubber fuel hoses.

Denny of Oakland