The Cessna 172 can be a lot of things to a lot of people. Indeed, many pilots who train for their private certificates wind up buying 172s for personal use. This makes sense because of the aircraft’s easy handing, forgiving flight characteristics, and low cost of operation.
Wouldn’t it be great if the 172 was also a bit faster and able to carry more weight? This sounds like the description of a 172 RG.
The 172RG, which was built in part to give students and flight schools an inexpensive complex trainer, provides a great combination of speed and efficiency for cross-country travel. Folding the gear into the fuselage of the 172 and fastening a 180 hp engine to its nose results in an appreciable increase in climb and cruising speed, while bigger fuel tanks boost its range over that of the standard 172.
This 1980 Cessna 172 RG has 2,500 hours on the airframe, 2,500 hours since new on its Lycoming O-360 engine, and 1,000 hours since overhaul on its two-blade McCauley propeller. The aircraft is equipped with a flashing anticollision light and underwing courtesy lights, front-seat shoulder harnesses, static wicks, oil quick-drain valve, and 62-gallon usable fuel capacity. Its useful load is 980 pounds.
The IFR panel includes a TKM MX385 nav/com with glideslope, Cessna 300 nav/com, Cessna 300A autopilot, and Cessna 300 audio panel, transponder and ADF, Aerosonic altitude digitizer altimeter, outside air temperature gauge, and digital clock.
Pilots looking who are fond of the 172 for its forgiving nature and versatility, but would prefer something a bit faster, should consider this 1980 Cessna 172 RG, which is available for $125,900 on AircraftForSale.
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Credit: flyingmag.com
