Cessna 172 Series 1973 User manual

ESSNA
MORE PEOPLE BUY AND MODEL
FLY CESSNA AIRPLANES
THAN ANY OTHER MAKE
.A. ND
SKYHAWK
1973
WORLD'S LARGEST PRO- OWNER'S
°L",oOF AIRN RAFT MANUAL
SINCE 1956

PERFORMANCE -SPECIFICATIONS
Model 172* Skyhawk*
GROSS WEIGHT . . . . ....... 2300 lbs 2300 lbs
SPEED:
Top Speed at Sea Level . . ....... . 139 mph 140 mph
Cruise, 75% Power at 9000 ft .. . . . . . 131 mph 132 mph
RANGE:
Cruise, 75% Power at 9000 ft ....... 615 mi 620 mi
38 Gal., No Reserve .... . . . . . . 4.7 hrs 4.7 hrs
131 mph 132 mph
Cruise, 75% Power at 9000 ft ..... . . 775 mi 780 mi
48 Gal., No Reserve ..... . . . . . 5.9 hrs 5.9 hrs
131 mph 132 mph
Optimum Range at 10, 000 ft ....... . 640 mi 655 mi
38 Gal., No Reserve .......... 5. 5 hrs 5. 5 hrs
117 mph 118 mph
Optimum Range at 10, 000 ft ........ 820 mi 830 mi
48 Gal., No Reserve . . . . . . . . . . 7.0 hrs 7.0 hrs
117 mph 118 mph
RATE OF CLIMB AT SEA LEVEL . . . . . . . 645 fpm 645 fpm
SERVICE CEILING .............. 13, 100 ft 13, 100 ft
TAKE-OFF:
GroundRun ............... 865ft 865ft
Total Distance Over 50-Foot Obstacle ... 1525 ft 1525 ft
LANDING:
GroundRoll............... 520ft 520ft
Total Distance Over 50-Foot Obstacle ...1250 ft 1250 ft
STALL SPEED:
Flaps Up, Power Off ........... 57 mph 57 mph
Flaps Down, Power Off ..... . . . ..49 mph 49 mph
EMPTY WEIGHT (Approximate) ... . .. . . 1285 lbs 1335 lbs
USEFULLOAD ............... 10151bs 9651bs
BAGGAGE.................. 1201bs 1201bs
WING LOADING: Pounds/Sq Foot ... . ... 13. 2 13. 2
POWERLOADING: Pounds/HP . . ...... 15.3 15.3
FUEL CAPACITY: Total
Standard Tanks .. . . . . . . . . . . . 42 gal. 42 gal.
Optional Long Range Tanks ........ 52 gal. 52 gal.
OIL CAPACITY: Total ..... . ... . . . 8qts 8qts
PROPELLER: Fixed Pitch (Diameter) ..... 75 inches 75 inches
ENGINE:
Lycoming Engine ... . . . . . . . . . . O-320-E2D O-320-E2D
150 rated HP at 2700 RPM
*This manual covers operation of the Model 172/Skyhawkwhich is certificated
as Model 172M under FAA Type Certificate No. 3Al2. The manual also covers
operation of the Reims/CessnaModel Fl72 which is certificated as Model Fl72M
under French Type Certificate No. 25 and FAA Type Certificate No. A4EU.
D964-13-RAND-3,000-8/74

CONGRATULATIONS . . . . . . .
Welcome to the ranks of Cessna owners! Your Cessna has been designed and con-
structed to give you the most in performance, economy, and comfort. It is our de-
sire that you will find flying it, either for business or pleasure,- apleasant and
profitable experience.
This Owner's Manual has been prepared as aguide to help you get the most pleasure
and utility from your Model 172/Skyhawk. It contains information about your Cessna's
equipment, operating procedures, and performance; and suggestions for its servicing
and care. We urge you to read it from cover to cover, and to refer to it frequently.
Our interest in your flying pleasure has not ceased with your purchase of aCessna.
World-wide, the Cessna Dealer Organization backed by the Cessna Service Depart-
ment stands ready to serve you. The following services are offered by most Cessna
Dealers:
THE CESSNA WARRANTY -- It is designed to provide you with the most
comprehensive coverage possible:
a. No exclusions
b. Coverage includes parts and labor
c. Available at Cessna Dealers world wide
d. Best in the industry
Specific benefits and provisions of the warranty plus other important
benefits for you are contained in your Customer Care Program book
supplied with your aircraft. Warranty service is available to you at
any authorized Cessna Dealer throughout the world upon presentation
of your Customer Care Card which establishes your eligibility under
the warranty.
FACTORY TRAINED PERSONNEL to provide you with courteous expert
service.
FACTORY APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT to provide you with the
most efficient and accurate workmanship possible.
ASTOCK OF GENUINE CESSNA SERVICE PARTS on hand when you
need them.
THE LATEST AUTHORITATIVE INFORMATION FOR SERVICING
CESSNA AIRPLANES, since Cessna Dealers have all of the Service
Manuals and Parts Catalogs, kept current by Service Letters and
Service News Letters, published by Cessna Aircraft Company.
We urge all Cessna owners to use the Cessna Dealer Organization to the fullest.
A current Cessna Dealer Directory accompanies your new airplane. The Directory
is revised frequently, and a current copy can be obtained from your Cessna Dealer.
Make your Directory one of your cross-country flight planning aids; awarm welcome
awaits you at every Cessna Dealer.
i

26'-ll"
11 -4 Maximum height of aircraft
with nose gear depressed, all
tires and nose strut properly
inflated, and optional flashing
beacon installed.
Wing span of aircraft with
optional strobe lights
PR INC IP A L installed.
DIMENSIONS
36 -1
63"MAX

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page =
SECTION I -OPERATING CHECK LIST ........ 1-1
SECTION II -DESCRIPTION AND
OPERATING DETAILS ............. 2-1
SECTION III -EMERGENCY PROCEDURES..... 3-1
SECTION IV -OPERATING LIMITATIONS........ 4-1
SECTION V -CARE OF THE AIRPLANE........ 5-1
OWNER FOLLOW-UP SYSTEM ................ 5-11
SECTION VI -OPERATIONAL DATA.............. 6-1
SECTION VIl- OPTIONAL SYSTEMS.....__....... 7-1
This manual describes the operation and performance of
both the Cessna Model 172 and Skyhawk. Equipment des-
cribed as "Optional" denotes that the subject equipment
is optional on the Model 172. Much of this equipment is
standard on the Skyhawk model.
iii

Jectioil I
OPERATING CHECK LIST
One of the first steps in obtaining the utmost performance, service,
and flying enjoyment from your Cessna is to familiarize yourself with
your aircraft's equipment, systems, and controls. This can best be done
by reviewing this equipment while sitting in the aircraft. Those items
whose function and operation are not obvious are covered in Section II.
Section I lists, in Pilot's Check List form, the steps necessary to
operate your aircraft efficiently and safely. It is not a check list in its
true form as it is considerably longer, but it does cover briefly all of the
points that you should know for atypical flight. An abbreviated check list
covering the "Before Take-Off" and "Before Landing" phases of aircraft
operation is provided on a plastic card and normally stowed in the map
compartment. This abbreviated check list is a convenient reference of
key items to be rechecked immediately prior to taxiing into position for
take-off and before entering the final approach for landing.
The flight and operational characteristics of your aircraft are normal
in all respects. There are no "unconventional" characteristics or opera-
tions that need to be mastered. All controls respond in the normal way
within the entire range of operation. All airspeeds mentioned in Sections
I, II and III are indicated airspeeds. Corresponding calibrated airspeed
may be obtained from the Airspeed Correction Table in Section VI.
BEFORE ENTERING THE AIRPLANE.
(1) Make an exterior inspection in accordance with figure 1-1.
1-1

5
7
6 4
EXTERIOR INSPECTION
2
Note
Visually check aircraft for general condition during walk-
around inspection. In cold weather, remove even small
accumulations of frost, ice or snow from wing, tail and
control surfaces. Also, make sure that control surfaces
contain no internal accumulations of ice or debris. If
night flight is planned, check operation of all lights, and
make sure aflashlight is available.
a. Remove control wheel lock.
b. Check ignition switch OFF.
c. Turn on master switch and check fuel quantity indicators; then
turn off master switch.
d. Check fuel selector valve handle on BOTH.
e. Check baggage door for security. Lock with key if children are
to occupy child's seat. ngure
1-2

a. Remove rudder gust lock, if installed.
b. Disconnect tail tie-down.
c. Check control surfaces for freedom of movement and security.
a. Check aileron for freedom of movement and security.
a. Disconnect wing tie-down.
b. Check main wheel tire for proper inflation.
c. Visually check fuel quantity; then check fuel filler cap secure.
a. Check oil level. Do not operate with less than six quarts. Fill
to eight quarts for extended flights.
b. Before first flight of day and after each refueling, pull out
strainer drain knob for about four seconds to clear fuel
strainer of possible water and sediment. Check strainer
drain closed. If water is observed, there is apossibility
that the fuel tank sumps contain water. Thus, the fuel tank
sump drain plugs and fuel selector valve drain plug should
be removed to check for the presence of water.
c. Check propeller and spinner for nicks and security,
d. Check landing light for condition and cleanliness.
e. Check carburetor air filter for restrictions by dust or other
foreign matter.
f. Check nose wheel strut and tire for proper inflation.
g. Disconnect tie-down rope.
h. Inspect flight instrument static source opening on side of
fuselage for stoppage (left side only).
a. Check main wheel tire for proper inflation.
b. Visually check fuel quantity, then check fuel filler cap secure.
a. Remove pitot tube cover, if installed, and check pitot tube
opening for stoppage.
b. Check fuel tank vent opening for stoppage.
c. Check stall warning vent opening for stoppage.
d. Disconnect wing tie-down,
a. Check aileron for freedom of movement and security.
1-1.
1-3

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.
(1) Seats, Seat Belts and Shoulder Harnesses -- Adjust and lock.
(2) Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH.
(3) Brakes -- Test and set.
(4) Radios and Electrical Equipment -- OFF.
STARTING THE ENGINE.
(1) Mixture -- Rich.
(2) Carburetor Heat -- Cold.
(3) Primer -- 2-6strokes as required (none if engine is warm).
Close and lock primer.
(4) Throttle -- Open 1/8".
(5) Master Switch -- ON.
(6) Propeller Area -- Clear.
(7) Ignition Switch -- START (release when engine starts).
(8) Oil Pressure -- Check.
BEFORE TAKE-OFF.
(1) Parking Brake -- Set.
(2) Flight Controls -- Check for free and correct movement.
(3) Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH.
(4) Elevator Trim Control Wheel -- TAKE-OFF setting.
(5) Throttle Setting -- 1700 RPM.
(6) Engine Instruments and Ammeter -- Check.
(7) Suction Gage -- Check (4.6 to 5.4 inches of mercury).
(8) Magnetos -- Check (RPM drop should not exceed 125 RPM on
either magneto or 50 RPM differential between magnetos).
(9) Carburetor Heat -- Check operation.
(10) Flight Instruments and Radios -- Set.
(11) Optional Autopilot or Wing Leveler -- Off.
(12) Cabin Doors and Window -- Closed and locked.
TAKE-OFF.
NORMAL TAKE-OFF.
(1) Wing Flaps -- 0°.
(2) Carburetor Heat -- Cold.
1-4

(3) Power -- Full throttle.
(4) Elevator Control -- Lift nose wheel at 60 MPH.
(5) Climb Speed -- 75 to 85 MPH.
MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE TAKE-OFF.
(1) Wing Flaps -- 0°.
(2) Carburetor Heat -- Cold.
(3) Brakes -- Apply.
(4) Power -- Full throttle.
(5) Brakes -- Release.
(6) Airplane Attitude -- Slightly tail low.
(7) Climb Speed -- 68 MPH until all obstacles are cleared.
CLI M B.
(1) Airspeed -- 80 to 90 MPH.
NOTE
If a maximum performance climb is necessary, use
speeds shown in the Maximum Rate-Of-Climb Data
chart in Section VI.
(2) Power -- Full throttle.
(3) Mixture -- Full rich (mixture may be leaned above 3000 feet).
CR UISIN G.
(1) Power -- 2200 to 2700 RPM.
NOTE
Maximum cruise RPM varies with altitude. For details,
refer to Section IV.
(2) Elevator Trim Control Wheel -- Adjust.
(3) Mixture -- Lean for maximum RPM.
1-5