Cessna · All model years · 1956–present

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Checklist — Create & Print for Free

Build your own Cessna 172 Skyhawk checklist in the browser — normal, abnormal and emergency procedures — then print it as a letter-size or kneeboard PDF.

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About this aircraft

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most produced aircraft in history, with more than 44,000 built since 1956 — from early straight-tail 172s with a Continental O-300, through the popular 172N and 172P with the Lycoming O-320, to today’s fuel-injected 172S. Every variant flies with the same basic logic, but the numbers, systems and callouts differ from one model year and one STC to the next. That’s exactly why this builder starts you with a generic Skyhawk structure and lets you edit every single line to match your aircraft, your avionics and your school’s SOPs.

Works for every Cessna 172 Skyhawk variant

Covers every Skyhawk: 172, 172A–172M, 172N, 172P, 172R, 172RG Cutlass, 172S, plus 180 hp STC conversions and floatplane variants.

Cessna 172 Skyhawk specifications
SpecValue
EngineLycoming IO-360-L2A, 180 hp
Cruise Speed124 KTAS (75% power)
Stall Speed48 KCAS (flaps down)
Max Takeoff Weight2,550 lbs
Fuel Capacity56 gal (53 usable)
Range640 nm
Service Ceiling14,000 ft
Rate of Climb730 fpm
Vne163 KIAS
Vno129 KIAS
Va105 KIAS
Vx62 KIAS
Vy74 KIAS

Reference figures for one common variant only. Numbers vary by model year, engine, STCs and equipment — always use your own POH/AFM.

What's in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk checklist

Example items per phase of flight. Every line is editable — add, remove or reorder to match your aircraft and your school's SOPs.

Preflight

  • Documents — ON BOARD
  • ELT — ARMED
  • Fuel quantity — CHECK VISUALLY

Before Engine Start

  • Mixture — IDLE CUT OFF
  • Magnetos — OFF
  • Master Switch — ON

Engine Start

  • Mixture — RICH
  • Magnetos — BOTH
  • Starter — ENGAGE

Before Takeoff

  • Flight controls — FREE AND CORRECT
  • Instruments — CHECK
  • Mixture — RICH

Emergency — Engine Failure After Takeoff

  • Airspeed — 65 KIAS
  • Mixture — IDLE CUT OFF
  • Ignition — OFF
  • Master — OFF

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Cessna 172 Skyhawk checklist free?

Yes, creating and customizing is free. Kneeboard printing requires Premium ($19.99/year).

Can I customize the Cessna 172 Skyhawk checklist?

Yes. Change colors, fonts, add/remove items, reorganize sections.

What formats are available?

Letter (8.5x11) free. Kneeboard (6x9) with Premium. Vector PDF with dotted trim guides.

I already have a checklist. Can you digitize it?

Yes. Send us your paper or PDF checklist and we'll convert it into an editable checklist in Checklist.aero.

Is this based on the official POH?

Community checklists are contributed by pilots. Always verify against your aircraft's POH/AFM.

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