Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP vs Cirrus SR20
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
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iCessna 172S Skyhawk SP
The modern Cessna 172 represents the latest chapter of the most-produced aircraft in aviation history, with over 44,000 total 172s built across all variants since 1956. Cessna restarted 172 production in 1997 after a decade-long hiatus caused by product liability concerns, introducing the 172R as its return-to-market model and following quickly with the 172S Skyhawk SP in 1998. Both models share the same airframe lineage but introduced fuel injection, a significantly modernized interior, and eventually the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit that transformed the type from a basic trainer into a genuinely capable IFR platform.
- +Excellent parts availability and mechanic familiarity worldwide
- +G1000 glass cockpit makes capable single-pilot IFR platform
- +Predictable, honest performance with 124 KTAS cruise and 550+ nm range
- !Hot-start difficulties on fuel-injected engine common in real-world operation
- !Alternator runs near capacity with full G1000 avionics; failures more common than analog variants
- !Marginal performance at high density altitude with full fuel and four occupants
Cirrus SR20
Total SR20 production exceeds 3,000 aircraft, and the type remains in current production. It is the aircraft of choice for several large Part 141 schools (notably ATP Flight School), which keeps parts and mechanic familiarity strong even though the airplane costs more to acquire and fly than a comparable Cessna or Piper trainer.
- +Modern composite construction with exceptional cruise efficiency (155 KTAS fixed-gear)
- +Industry-leading whole-airframe parachute system (CAPS) for emergency safety
- +Strong parts availability and mature Cirrus service center network
- !Mandatory CAPS repack every 10 years at $18,000–$20,000 (significant recurring cost)
- !Composite damage repair requires specialized technicians; costs $5,000–$50,000+ depending on severity
- !Four-seat / 965 lbs useful load limits practical load-carrying for business/cargo use
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