Cessna C172 Skyhawk: Trainer Aircraft

UPSC Reference: Science & Technology

Why in News?

A Cessna C172 trainer aircraft was involved in a runway excursion incident at Baramati Airfield, Maharashtra, on 9 August 2026.

Key Facts

  • Common name: Cessna 172 Skyhawk

  • Type: Single-engine, four-seat, fixed-wing aircraft

  • Manufacturer: Cessna; now part of Textron Aviation.

  • Widely used for:

    • Flight training

    • Private aviation

  • Characteristic:

    • High-wing design

    • Stable handling

    • Relatively simple controls

Key Pointer

C172 → Cessna 172 Skyhawk → Single engine → Four seats → Flight training