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Where it fits well
- 120 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 875 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 586 nm with 4 occupants.
- 282 kg realistic payload proxy and 4 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 4 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 282 kg |
| Advertised range | 875 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 586 nm |
| Cruise speed | 120 kt |
| Runway need | ~495 m |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | €12k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €140 |
The ownership trade-off
The 172P Skyhawk combines 4-seat piston-aircraft utility with about 244 NM reported range and about 111 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €53k per year ( €1320 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €58k per year ( €730 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €64k per year ( €533 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €72k per year ( €402 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €29k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The 172P Skyhawk combines 4-seat piston-aircraft utility with about 244 NM reported range and about 111 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €12k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Approximate 495 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
- Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.