The Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft is a four-seat, single-engine airplane produced by the Cessna Aircraft Company. Over 43,500 Cessna 172s have been built, making it the most common aircraft. It has a cruise speed of 125 mph and a range of 675 miles.

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the most produced aircraft in history, has a range that varies slightly depending on the specific model (such as the 172R or 172S) and environmental factors like wind and payload. On average, a modern Cessna 172S equipped with standard fuel tanks (53 usable gallons) has a maximum range of approximately 640 nautical miles (about 736 miles or 1,185 kilometers) at 75% power. This range assumes the pilot is flying at an optimal altitude, typically around 8,000 feet, to achieve the best fuel economy. However, in real-world flight planning in 2026, pilots must factor in mandatory fuel reserves—usually 30 to 45 minutes of extra flight time—which reduces the practical "point-to-point" distance to roughly 500 to 550 nautical miles. Factors such as a heavy headwind can significantly shorten this distance, while a strong tailwind can extend it. For perspective, this range allows for a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco or London to Geneva, making it a reliable workhorse for cross-country training and short regional trips.