Since 1927, the Cessna Aircraft Company has led the way in the production of small, single-engine, piston-powered, and business class jets. Since its inception, Cessna has continued to produce top-of-the-line aircraft and has managed to stay ahead of technology by being innovative leaders in the industry. Cessna’s first certified aircraft, the Cessna DC-6, is a far cry from where the company and its products are today, but even then the company was all about quality and expertise in craftsmanship. In 1946, after a break from commercial production, Cessna introduced the Model 120 and model 140 planes. This successfully launched a new approach to aircraft design. The production of all-metal planes using various tools designed for easier production, along with die casts and jigs, replaced the process which used tube-and-fabric construction and was crafted almost entirely by hand. Over the years, Cessna became a symbol of luxury and in 1969 the very first business jet was flown, launching the company into the realm of elite owners. Today, Cessna continues to be a household name among aviation enthusiasts and simple airplane lovers alike.
With regard to general aviation, owning a Cessna aircraft is a luxury. However, depending on the price point, isn’t just for the rich and famous. Cessna aircraft range in price from a couple hundred thousand dollars to well into the $12 million dollar range.
In 1956 Cessna introduced it’s most successful airplane to date- the Cessna 172. Not only is it the most successful plane for Cessna, but it is the most successful aircraft in history, with more 172’s being build than any other aircraft. Over 60,000 Cessna 172’s have been produced since 1956 and they are still in production today. This 4-seat, single engine plane, is a fixed-wing aircraft that was first flown in 1955. It is an upgraded version of the Cessna 170. The major design difference is the landing gear. The Cessna 170 used the tail-dragger gear and the 172 was fashioned with the popular triangle landing gear design.
Many years of production and modification went in to building the Cessna 172 of today. Currently, there are 22 variants to this impressive aircraft, but many of the early features are still being manufactured as of late. The 172’s original design was very similar to its predecessor, the Cessna 170. A straight tailfin and aft fuselage coupled with tall landing gear legs gave the original 172 the same overall appearance of the 170. A lowered rear deck was added in the 1960s and allowed the inclusion of a rear window which, for marketing purposes, was called Omni Vision. The 172 currently boasts a swept-back tailfin and revised landing gear that are both still apart of the 172’s design plan along with an almostidenticalairframe configuration. The cost of Cessna 172 is around $300,000 – $400,000 and up depending on options of variant models. Of course, buying an older model is considerably less expensive, but finding one will mean required repairs which could increase the initial lower price significantly. For more information on the Cessna 172 aircraft this video should help:
The second most popular Cessna aircraft is the Cessna 182 which offers 23 variants over the many years of production. Also a 4-seater, single engine plane, the 182 has an interesting option to include seats for children in the baggage area. The 182 is larger than the 172, but there are several similarities between the two planes. The wing platform is the same on both as well as the flap and aileron design. Additionally, the 182 uses the same triangular landing gear design as the 172. Much like the 172, the 182 offers a variant with retractable landing gear, however the 182 offers 10% – 15% improved climb and cruise speeds and 10% – 15% better fuel usage than it’s counterpart. In 1977, a retractable undercarriage was introduced which produced a significantly higher rate of speed. The cost to buy at Cessna 182 ranges from $400,000 to $600,000 for current models and can go up depending on after-market options. For additional information on the Cessna 182 this video should help:
In the world of general aviation, the Cessna name is synonymous with quality and craftsmanship among flying enthusiasts all around the world. Owning a Cessna has always been associated with luxury and pride giving Cessna owners a level of status that is second to none. The two most sought-after planes in the history of aviation are the Cessna 172 and Cessna 182. No other planes are more coveted by pilots and passengers than these two aviation wonders.
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