Cessna Skyhawk 172N Service manual

Latest Revision: September 20th, 2022 1
This maneuvers flow guide is intended to be used as a ready reference and provides only the basic
steps and sequences. This guide should be used in conjunction with most current versions of FAA-H-
8083-3, the FAA Airmen Certification Standards, Practical Test Standards, and the Pilot's Operating
Handbook for the Cessna Skyhawk.
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Cessna 172N Skyhawk
Quick Reference Manual

2
1.Preflight/Normal Operations
2.Engine Starting
3.Takeoff Operations
4.Performance Maneuvers
5.Ground Reference Maneuvers
6.Landing Operations
7.Instrument Procedures
8.Emergency Procedures

3
Preflight/Normal Operations
Weight and Balance
1. Max Gross Weight....................................................................................................... 2550 lbs
2. Taxi Fuel Burn................................................................................................................... 8 lbs
V-Speeds
VS0................................................................. 41
VS1................................................................. 47
VFE................................................................ 85
VNO............................................................. 128
VNE............................................................. 160
VX................................................................. 59
VG................................................................. 65
VY................................................................. 73
VA............................................................ 89-97
X-Wind......................................................... 17
Leaning Procedures
1. Lean Assist...................................................................................................................... Hold
2. Mixture Level............................................................................ Lean Until 1st Cylinder Peaks
3. Mixture Level....................................................................................................... Enrich 100oF

4
Engine Starting
Engine Start (Fouled Spark Plugs)
1. Brakes................................................................................................................................. Hold
2. Throttle............................................................................................................ Open 2000 RPM
3. Mixture........................................................................................................... Lean 50 o of Peak
4. Engine............................................................................................................. Run ~30 Seconds
5. Engine RPM/PFD Indicators.......................................................................... Monitor/DECIDE
6. Magnetos (L/R).......................................................... Max 175 RPM Drop / 50 RPM Difference
7. Throttle.............................................................................................................................. Retard
8. Mixture......................................................................................... Advance to 100 o Rich of Peak
•If Roughtness/RPM Differences Do Not Impove Seek Maintenance
Description:
Fouling is created by excessively rich fuel/air mixtures during prolonged ground maneuvers and/or failure to properly lean the mixture during
flight and causes a buildup of carbon deposits. If left unchecked, spark plug fouling results in engine roughness, hot spots, and detonation.
Common Errors:
•Not leaning the mixture while on the ground
•Engine overheating due to high oil temperatures during prolonged runup
•Failure to hold the brakes
Engine Start (Flooded)
1. Brakes................................................................................................................................. Hold
2. Throttle....................................................................................................................... Open Full
3. Fuel Pump.............................................................................................................................. On
4. Mixture................................................................................................................... Idle Cut-Off
5. Engine/PFD Indicators................................................................................... Monitor/DECIDE
6. Magnetos......................................................................................................... Select Both/Start
7. Mixture (On Start)..................................................................................................Advance Full
8. Throttle............................................................................................................................. Retard
9. Oil Pressure........................................................................................................................................ Check
•If a Fire Begins, proceed to Engine Fire (Starting)
Description:
Excessive priming can result in a fuel/air mixture that is too rich. Reducing the mixture (fuel) while increasing the amount of air (throttle) can
equalize this imbalance and start the motor.
Common Errors:
•Not reducing the mixture to idle before starting
•Failure to reduce the throttle
•Failure to hold the brakes

5
Takeoff Operations
Normal Takeoff
1. Flaps.................................................................................................................................... Up
2. Rotate.......................................................................................................................... 55 KTS
3. Climb Out................................................................................................................... 73 KTS
Soft Field Takeoff
1. Flaps..................................................................................................................................... 20o
2. Pitch......................................................................................................... Start Yoke Full Back
3. Lift Off................................................................................................................. Early as Able
4. Flaps....................................................................................................... 10owith Positive Rate
5. Flaps..................................................................................................................... Up at 73 KTS
6. Climb Out...................................................................................................................... 80 KTS
Description:
Soft or rough runway surfaces (grass, sand, snow) require getting the airplane airborne as quickly as possible to eliminate surface
drag. Shift weight from the landing gear to the wings via a high AOA to accomplish this. Then fly within ground effect increases
airspeed after takeoff.
Common Errors:
•Insufficient back pressure during roll resulting in inadequate AOA
•Poor directional control
•Climbing outside of ground effect too early
•Abrupt and/or excessive elevator control inputs
•Touching back down after lift-off
•Failure to adjust pitch outside of ground effect

6
Short Field Takeoff
1. Flaps..................................................................................................................................... 20o
2. Full Stop................................................................................... Maximum Available Runaway
3. Takeoff Power........................................................................................................... Verify Set
4. Brakes............................................................................................................................ Release
5. Rotate............................................................................................................................ 55 KTS
6. Climb Out............................................................................... 59 KTS until clear, then 73 KTS
Description:
When the runway area is short or restricted by obstructions, the airplane must be flown precisely at its maximum limit of takeoff
performance. This results in the shortest ground roll and steepest angle of climb.
Common Errors:
•Failure to utilize all available runway distance
•Failure to properly trim
•Premature lift-off resulting in high drag
•Prolonging ground roll
•Inability to hold Vx
•Airspeed/instrument fixation
•Premature retraction of landing gear and/or flaps

7
Performance Maneuvers
Flow Checklist
1. Fuel Selector........................................................................................................ Fullest Tank
2. Throttle.................................................................................................................... 2300 RPM
3. Mixture.................................................................................................................. As Required
4. Carb Heat.............................................................................................................. As Required
5. Fuel Pump............................................................................................................. As Required
6. Clearing Turns........................................................................................................... Complete
Description:
Necessary to safely prepare the aircraft for any maneuvers and ensure separation from other traffic.
Slow Flight
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude....................................................................................................... .Above 1500’ AGL
2. Throttle..................................................................................................................... 1700 RPM
3. Flaps............................................................................................................ Full, Incrementally
4. Airspeed........................................................................................... 47 KTS (Just Above Stall)
5. Throttle........................................................................................... As Required (~2200 RPM)
6. Recovery
7. Throttle................................................................................................................................ Full
8. Flaps....................................................................................................... Retract, Incrementally
Description:
Low airspeed and high AOA attitudes, while at altitude, simulates the flight characteristics, incipient stall-warnings, and control feel
experienced during takeoff/departure and approach/landing phases of flight.
Common Errors:
•Incorrect elevator input resulting in an ascent or descent after power reduction
•Insufficient right rudder compensation
•Flight instrument fixation
•Failure to anticipate AOA changes with flap settings
•Lack of trim usage
•Delayed response to stall warnings

8
Steep Turns
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude........................................................................................................ Above 1500’ AGL
2. Airspeed........................................................................................................................ 90 KTS
3. Bank........................................................................................................................... 45o or 50o
4. Trim..................................................................................................................... 2 Full Swipes
5. Throttle...................................................................................................... Increase ~100 RPM
6. Recover.................................................................... Wings Level, Remove Throttle and Trim
Description:
Pilot smoothness and coordination is tested throughout multiple 360°turns while banked at 45-60°. Management of bank, AOA
(pitch), and power are critical to maintaining a consistent turn.
Common Errors:
•Inadequate pitch on entry or rollout
•Gaining/Losing altitude or airspeed
•Failure to maintain a constant bank angle
•Uncoordinated Controls
•Ineffective use of Power
•Premature/Excessive rollout on heading
•Over-reliance on instrument instead of visual references
Power-On Stall
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude.............................................................................................. Above 1500’ AGL
2. Throttle........................................................................................................... 1700 RPM
3. Airspeed............................................................................................................... 65 KTS
4. Throttle...................................................................................................................... Full
5. Pitch..................................................................................... As Required to Induce Stall
Recovery
6. Unload Wing........................................................................... Nose Down, Wings Level
7. Cram............................................................................................................. Full Throttle
8. Climb....................................................................................... Pitch Just Above Horizon
9. Clean........................................................................... Flaps & Carb Heat, Incrementally
Description:
Practiced to develop awareness and corrective responses to excessive pitch attitudes during takeoff and climbs (typically over
obstacles) that result in stalls.
Common Errors:
•Failure to properly configure the airplane (power, flaps, gear)
•Improper pitch, heading (straight-ahead stalls), and bank control
•Rough or uncoordinated control inputs
•Failure to recognize stall warnings or to achieve a stall
•Delayed recovery, excessive altitude loss, or entering a secondary stall

9
Power-Off Stall
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Slow Flight........................................................................................................ Establish
2. Throttle........................................................................................................... 1700 RPM
3. Flaps.................................................................................................. Full, Incrementally
4. Airspeed............................................................................................ Descend at 65 KTS
5. Throttle...................................................................................................................... Idle
6. Calls.......................................................................................... Call out horn and Buffet
7. Pitch...................................................................................................... To Hold Altitude
Recovery
8. Unload Wing........................................................................... Nose Down, Wings Level
9. Cram............................................................................................................. Full Throttle
10. Climb....................................................................................... Pitch Just Above Horizon
11. Clean............................................................ Flaps Up (Incrementally) & Carb Heat Off
Description:
Practiced to develop awareness and corrective responses to improper control inputs during a turn (simulating landing) or when
trying to stretch a glide, which results in a stall.
Common Errors:
•Failure to properly configure the airplane (power, flaps, gear)
•Improper pitch, heading (straight-ahead stalls), and bank control
•Rough or uncoordinated control inputs
•Failure to recognize stall warnings or to achieve a stall
•Delayed recovery, excessive altitude loss, or entering a secondary stall

10
Accelerated Stall
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude........................................................................................................ Above 3000’ AGL
2. Throttle..................................................................................................................... 1700 RPM
3. Bank..................................................................................................................................... 45o
4. Throttle................................................................................................................................ Idle
5. Pitch.............................................................................................. As Required to Induce Stall
Recovery
6. Unload Wing.................................................................................... Nose Down, Wings Level
7. Cram...................................................................................................................... Full Throttle
8. Climb................................................................................................ Pitch Just Above Horizon
9. Clean................................................................................... Flaps & Carb Heat, Incrementally
Description:
At the same gross weight, airplane configuration, and power setting, an airplane will consistently stall at the same indicated airspeed.
However, a stall will ooccur at a higher indicated airspeed with excessive maneuvering (load factor) imposed by abrupt control inputs
to change direction.
Common Errors:
•Failure to properly configure the airplane (power, flaps, gear)
•Rough or uncoordinated control inputs
•Failure to recognize stall warnings or to achieve a stall
•Delayed recovery, excessive altitude loss, or entering a secondary stall

11
Steep Spiral
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude................................................................................................. Above 4500’ AGL
2. Reference................................................................... Under Main Tire or Storm Window
3. Throttle......................................................................................................................... Idle
4. Carb Heat....................................................................................................................... On
5. Airspeed.................................................................................................................. 73 KTS
6. Throttle........................................................................................ Clear engine every 1000’
7. Recover................................................................................................. Above 1500’ AGL
Description:
The objective is to rapidly dissipate excessive altitude, necessary during emergencies, while remaining over top of a selected
landing spot.
Common Errors:
•Inadequate pitch on entry or rollout
•Gaining altitude or excessive airspeed
•Failure to compensate for wind by varying bank angles
•Uncoordinated Controls
•Ineffective use of trim
•Premature/Excessive rollout on heading
•Over-reliance on instrument instead of visual references

12
Chandelles
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude........................................................................................................... Above 1500’ AGL
2. Reference Point....................................................................................................... Abeam Wing
3. Airspeed......................................................................................................................... 100 KTS
A. Entry to 45 o
a) Throttle....................................................................................................... Full
b) Bank............................................................................................................ 30o
c) Pitch.................................................................................. Smoothly Increased
d) Coordination............................................................................................ Verify
B. 90o a) Pitch Attitude...................................................................................... Hold 15o
b) Bank.................................................................................................... Hold 30o
c) Coordination............................................................................................ Verify
C. 90o to 180o
a) Pitch Attitude................................................................................... Decreasing
b) Bank................................................................................................. Decreasing
D. 180o a) Pitch Attitude............................................................................................. Level
b) Bank........................................................................................................... Level
c) Airspeed.................................................................................... Just Above Stall
d) Heading..................................................................................... 180o From Entry
4. Resume Normal Cruise.................................................................................................... Establish
Description:
This maximum performance climbing turn finishes 180°from the initial altitude below and just above stalling speed. The goal is to obtain
the most altitude given a specific bank angle and power setting.
Common Errors:
•Initial bank too shallow (stall) or too steep (lost performance)
•Bank angle exceeds 30°
•Not beginning rollout at 90° or rolling wings level before 180°
•Exceeding/altering pitch attitude once set
•Unsmooth or uncoordinated control inputs
•Excessive airspeed or stalling at recovery point
•Over-reliance on instrument instead of visual references

13
Lazy Eights
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude........................................................................................................... Above 1500’ AGL
2. Airspeed......................................................................................................................... 97 KTS
3. Select Points........................................................................................................ 45o, 90o, 135o
4. Enter Climbing Turn............................................................................................... Coordinated
A. 45o a) Bank................................................................................................. Increasing
b) Pitch Attitude................................................................................... Maximum
B. 90o
a) Pitch Attitude............................................................................................ Hold
b) Bank.................................................................................................. Appx. 30 o
c) Airspeed......................................................................... 5-10 KTS Above Stall
C. 135o
a) Pitch Attitude................................................................................ Lowest Point
b) Bank................................................................................................. Decreasing
D. 180o
a) Pitch Attitude............................................................................................. Level
b) Altitude............................................................................................ Entry Level
c) Airspeed........................................................................................... Entry Level
d) Heading.................................................................................... 180 o From Entry
E. Reverse Direction................................................................................... Repeat Maneuver
5. Resume Normal Cruise.................................................................................................... Establish
Description:
Intended to enhance proper coordination of the flight controls throughout a wide range of airspeeds and attitudes. Substantial skill is
required to coordinate aileron and rudder, which are at no time constant.
Common Errors:
•Asymmetry across each 180° points
•Improper/inadequate reference point selection or use
•Gain/loss of altitude at 180° points
•Airspeed or bank angle standards not met
•Unsmooth or uncoordinated control inputs
•Over-reliance on instrument instead of visual references

14
Ground Reference Maneuvers
Ground Reference Maneuvers
* Perform Flow Checklist
1. Altitude.............................................................................................. 1000’ AGL
Turns Around a Point
1. Enter Downwind
2. Maintain Constant Radius by Changing Bank Angle
3. Complete 2 Turns or as Specified by Instructor/Examiner
4. Exit at Same Point of Entry
S-Turns
1. Enter on the Downwind
2. Maintain Constant Radius by Changing Bank Angle
3. Make Left or Right Turns as Specified by Instructor/Examiner
Rectangular Course
1. Enter 45° on the Downwind Leg
2. Establish Adequate Wind Correction Angle
3. Make Left or Right Turns as Specified by Instructor/Examiner
Eights on Pylon (Commercial)
1. Calculate Pivotal Altitude ( Groundspeed² / 11.3) + 1000 = PA
2. Airspeed Established at 90 kts
3. Enter Downwind, Between Pylons
A. Above pivotal altitude: reference line move rearward
B. At pivotal altitude: aircraft pivots on reference line
C. Below pivotal altitude: reference line moves forward
Description:
Intended to aid pilots in understanding the relationship of flight control inputs and their resulting attitude changes. Above all, these maneuvers
require control coordination, timing, and attention to situational awareness to accurately and safely fly at low altitudes.
Common Errors:
oFailure to establish and then maintain a constant, level altitude
oFailure to properly assess and correct for wind changes
oFailure to smoothly coordinate controls
oFailure to properly divide attention between tasks
oFailure to accurately execute turns on time

15
Landing Operations
Soft Field Landing
* Pre-Landing GUMPPS Checklist
1. Abeam................................................................................ 15-1700 RPM, Flaps 10o, 85 KTS
2. Base............................................................................................................ Flaps 20o, 75 KTS
3. Final............................................................................................................................. 70 KTS
4. Throttle.................................................................................. As Needed through Touchdown
5. Nose Wheel................................................................................... Hold Off Long as Possible
Description:
Soft or rough runway surfaces (grass, sand, snow) require slower and smoother landings. Pilots must use the wings, not the
landing gear, to support the weight of the airplane (by holding backpressure) as long as practicable.
Common Errors:
•Unstable approach (excessive descent rate or airspeed)
•Round out too high
•Poor power management during round out and touch down
•Hard touchdown
•Transferring weight to the wheels (letting the nose wheel fall) after touchdown
Normal Landing
* Pre-Landing GUMPPS Checklist
1. Abeam............................................................................ 15-1700 RPM, Flaps 10 o, 85 KTS
2. Base......................................................................................................... Flaps 20 o, 75 KTS
3. Final........................................................................................................ Flaps 40 o, 65 KTS
Pre-Landing Checklist (GUMPPS)
1. Gas …………………………………………………………...….……… On Fullest Tank
2. Undercarriage.................................................................................................. Down/Fixed
3. Mixture................................................................................................................. Full Rich
4. Power/Props................................................................................... Set As Required & Full
5. Fuel Pump...................................................................................................................... On
6. Safety (Lights & Seatbelts)............................................................................................ On

16
Short Field Landing
* Pre-Landing GUMPPS Checklist
1. Abeam............................................................................. 15-1700 RPM, Flaps 10o, 85 KTS
2. Base......................................................................................................... Flaps 20o, 75 KTS
3. Final........................................................................................................ Flaps 40 o, 62 KTS
After Touchdown
4. Flaps................................................................................................................................ Up
5. Brakes................................................................................................................... Maximum
6. Yoke......................................................................................... Max Aerodynamics Braking
Description:
To a short runway, one with obstacles, or both, pilots must precisely control inputs to produce a rate of descent and airspeed resulting
in no floating during round out and the shortest stopping distance.
Common Errors:
•Unstable approach (excessive descent rate or airspeed)
•Low airspeed resulting in flare inability and a hard landing
•Poor power management, resulting in hard landings
•Excessive braking (lock ups)
•Failure to maintain directional control
•Failure to abort an unsafe approach
Power-Off 180o
* Pre-Landing GUMPPS Checklist
1. Abeam......................................................................................... Power Idle, 65 KTS, Trim
2. Base............................................................................................... Flaps 10o (as Necessary)
3. Final....................................................................................... 65 KTS, Flaps (as Necessary)
4. Landing...................................................................... On Pre-Specified Point/ Just Beyond
Description:
This approach is executed by gliding with the power off from the downwind leg to a preselected landing spot or 200 feet beyond. The
objective is to instill good judgment and procedures necessary for accurately flying without power.
Common Errors:
•Downwind leg is too far from the runway
•Overextension of the downwind leg due to tailwinds
•Inadequate crosswind compensation
•Uncoordinated turns
•Failure to lower landing gear
•Premature flap / landing gear extension
•Attempting to “stretch” gliding distance
•Using the throttle
•Forcing the airplane on to the runway to avoid overshooting the landing spot

17
Go-Around
1. Cram........................................................................................................................ Full Power
2. Climb................................................................................................ Pitch Just Above Horizon
3. Clean...................................................................................................... Flaps 20oImmediately
A. Carb Heat................................................................................................................. Off
B. Flaps Up 10o.......................................................................................... Positive Climb
C. Flaps Up Full..................................................................................................... 73 KTS
4. Call........................................................................................................ Announce Go Around
5. Climb Out.................................................................................................................... 80 KTS
Description:
When airport and/or landing configuration conditions cannot safely be assured, a landing must aborted. The earlier a go around can
be initiated the safer its execution becomes.
Common Errors:
•Pride - believing a rejected landing is an admission of failure.
•Indecision
•Delay in initiating a go-around
•Failure to apply full power smoothly
•Improper pitch attitude
•Failure to configure the airplane properly
•Inadequate right rudder
•Loss of aircraft control

18
Instrument Procedures
Instrument Procedures
Procedure Turn Outbound
1. Time............................................................................................................................ Start
2. Turn......................................................................................................To Intercept Course
3. Throttle..............................................................................Set Approach Airspeed / Power
4. Tune.................................................................................To Outbound Radial / Frequency
5. Talk........................................................................................................Report if Required
•ACCOMPLISH PRE-LANDING CHECKLIST, REVIEW / BRIEF MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURE
Final Approach Inbound
1. Time............................................................................................................................ Start
2. Throttle..............................................................................Set Approach Airspeed / Power
3. Pitch..........................................................................................................................Adjust
4. Trim..........................................................................................................................Adjust
5. Tune............................................................................................Radio/Radial/Nav Source
Reaching MDA/DA & Level Off
1. Throttle...........................................................................................................As Required
2. Pitch................................................................................................................Level Flight
3. Trim..........................................................................................................................Adjust
4. Time.......................................................................................................................Monitor
•At MDA, if runway is in sight (per 91.175), continue and land.. If requirements are not met by the missed approach point (MAP) -
EXECUTE MISSED APPROACH INSTRUCTIONS.
•At DA, if runway is in sight (per 91.175), continue and land. If requirements are not met at the DA - EXECUTE MISSED APPROACH
INSTRUCTIONS.
Missed Approach
1. Click.......................................................................................................Go Around Button
2. Cram...................................................................................................................Full Power
3. Climb................................................................................................................Establish Vy
4. Clean.................................................................................................... Flaps Up at 73 KTS
A. Carb Heat................................................................................................................. Off
5. Call.....................................................................................................Report Going Missed
6. Configure............................................................................................Navs/Radials/Radios

19
Emergency Procedures
Emergency (ABCD) Checklist
1. Airspeed …………………………………..............….……… Pitch Best Glide (65 KTS)
2. Best Place to Land............................................................................................ Fly Toward
3. Checklist (Above 500’ AGL Only)..................................................... Memory Items/List
4. Declare Emergency.................................................. Call ATC / 121.5, Transponder 7700
Engine Power Loss (Takeoff)
1. Sufficient Runway Remains
A. Power...................................................................................................................... Idle
B. Landing............................................................................................. Land/Stop Ahead
C. Brakes........................................................................................................ As Required
2. Insufficient Runway Remains
A. Perform ABCD Checklist
B. Landing..................................................................... Straight Ahead / Avoid Obstacles
C. Flaps......................................................................................................... As Necessary
3. Sufficient Altitude Gained (Attempt Restart)
A. Perform ABCD Checklist
B. Fuel Selector........................................................................................... Switch Tanks
C. Fuel Pump............................................................................................................... On
D. Mixture................................................................................................................. Rich
E. Carb Heat............................................................................................................... On
•If Power is Not Regained, Proceed with Landing (No Engine Power)
Engine Fire (During Start)
1. Start Switch.......................................................................................... Continue to Crank
2. Mixture................................................................................................................. Cut-Off
3. Throttle..................................................................................................................... Open
4. Fuel Pump................................................................................................................... Off
5. Fuel Selector............................................................................................................... Off
•Abandon if Fire Continues

20
Engine Power Loss (In Flight)
* Perform ABCD Checklist
1. Airspeed................................................................................................................... 65 KTS
2. Fuel Selector..................................................................................................... Fullest Tank
3. Fuel Pump....................................................................................................................... On
4. Mixture................................................................................................................. Full Rich
5. Carb Heat......................................................................................................................... On
6. Magnetos...................................................................................... Off, then Individually On
•When Power is Restored
7. Carb Heat........................................................................................................................ Off
8. Fuel Pump....................................................................................................................... Off
•Land as Soon as Practical
•If Power is Not Restored –Landing (No Engine Power)
Landing (No Engine Power)
* Perform ABCD Checklist
1. Airspeed................................................................................................................... 65 KTS
2. Landing Pattern.............................................................................. Established 1000’ AGL
•When Committed to Landing
3. Airspeed................................................................................................................... 65 KTS
4. Flaps................................................................................................................ As Necessary
5. Throttle........................................................................................................................... Idle
6. Mixture..................................................................................................................... Cut-off
7. Magnetos......................................................................................................................... Off
8. Master Switches.............................................................................................................. Off
9. Fuel Selector............................................................................................................... Closed
10. Seatbelts...................................................................................................................... Secure
Engine Fire (In Flight)
* Perform ABCD Checklist
1. Fuel Selector.................................................................................................................. Off
2. Throttle..................................................................................................................... Closed
3. Mixture................................................................................................................... Cut-Off
4. Fuel Pump..................................................................................................................... Off
5. Vent/Defroster.................................................................................................. Closed/Off
•If Fire Continues:
6. Airspeed/Attitude.............................................................................. Increase/Pitch Down
•Proceed with Landing (No Engine Power)