Mercedes Mullins
The Cessna 172 is a single-engine propeller-driven aircraft that has been on the market since 1956 and is one of the most widely used training aircraft. With a seating capacity of up to four people, including the pilot, the Cessna 172 is a versatile and spacious option for personal and business use. When it comes to fuel consumption, the Cessna 172 typically burns around 7 to 9 gallons of fuel per hour, depending on various factors such as speed and weight. This equates to approximately 15 miles per gallon, which is lower fuel efficiency than most road cars. However, it's important to note that fuel efficiency is not the only factor to consider when comparing the operating costs of a Cessna 172 to that of a car.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption per hour | 7-9 gallons |
| Fuel consumption per hour (litres) | 26 litres |
| Fuel consumption per 100 km | 13 litres |
| Fuel consumption per hour (cruising at 125 mph) | 8 gallons |
| Fuel consumption per hour (cruising at 6000 feet) | 9 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
The Cessna 172 burns 7-9 gallons per hour
The Cessna 172 is a single-engine propeller aircraft with a high wing design, offering seating for up to four people, including the pilot. It is renowned for its excellent safety record, stability, and superior downward visibility due to its high-decker wing placement.
The Cessna 172's fuel consumption is approximately 7-9 gallons per hour. This rate of fuel burn is influenced by various factors, including speed and wind conditions. For instance, without wind, the Cessna 172 consumes about 13 litres per 100 kilometres, translating to a fuel efficiency of approximately 15 miles per gallon. At a cruising speed of 125 mph, the aircraft burns about 8 gallons per hour.
The hourly fuel costs for the Cessna 172 can range from $42 to $54 per hour, considering that Avgas typically costs around $6 per gallon. However, it's important to note that fuel prices can vary across different airports. Additionally, the overall operating costs of the aircraft include maintenance expenses, which can be roughly $50 to $60 per hour of flight time.
To optimise fuel efficiency, pilots should pay attention to the Performance Chart, taking into account factors such as power percentage, altitude, and rpm settings. By understanding these variables, pilots can make informed decisions about fuel loading and reserve amounts, thus avoiding fuel mismanagement accidents, which are common in general aviation.
In summary, the Cessna 172's fuel consumption of 7-9 gallons per hour, coupled with its spacious interior and excellent safety record, makes it a versatile and popular choice for both personal and business aviation needs.
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Avgas costs around $6 per gallon
The Cessna 172 is a light, single-engine propeller aircraft that burns approximately 8 gallons of fuel per hour when cruising at 125 mph. This works out to around 15 miles per gallon (MPG), which is less efficient than most road cars.
The high fuel consumption and associated costs of the Cessna 172 may be surprising, especially when compared to the fuel efficiency of a car. However, it is important to note that the benefits of flying an aircraft like the Cessna 172 go beyond just the fuel efficiency. For longer distances, flying can be a significant time saver, and the convenience and speed of air travel can often outweigh the higher fuel costs.
Additionally, the type of fuel and prices can vary. The national average price for jet fuel in the US as of July 22, 2025, was $6.29 per gallon, while the national average price for 100LL aircraft fuel was $6.52 per gallon. Prices can also vary by region, with the FAA Alaska region reporting the highest jet fuel price at $8.09, and the FAA Central region reporting the lowest price at $5.59.
While the hourly fuel consumption and costs of a Cessna 172 are important considerations, they are just one aspect of the overall ownership or rental expenses. It is crucial to take into account other factors, such as maintenance, insurance, and hangar or storage fees, to get a comprehensive understanding of the total cost of operating this aircraft.
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Fuel costs per hour: $42 to $54
The Cessna 172 is a single-engine propeller aircraft that is widely used for training purposes. Its fuel consumption depends on various factors such as speed, weight, configuration, and weather conditions. On average, it consumes about 26 litres per hour or 7 to 9 gallons per hour when cruising at 125 mph.
With Avgas typically priced at around $6 per gallon, the Cessna 172's hourly fuel costs can range from $42 to $54. It is important to note that fuel prices may vary across different locations and suppliers. To manage fuel costs effectively, pilots should be mindful of local fuel prices and maintain accurate information about their aircraft's fuel consumption.
Additionally, regular maintenance and repairs are crucial to ensuring the safety and optimal performance of the aircraft. Maintenance costs can vary depending on the age and condition of the plane, but generally, one can expect to spend around $50 to $60 per hour of flight time on maintenance and repairs. This includes essential tasks such as oil changes and engine overhauls.
To ensure safe and efficient operations, pilots should always perform a pre-flight checklist to identify any potential issues. By being proactive with maintenance and staying informed about fuel options, owners and operators of the Cessna 172 can make significant savings and extend the lifespan of their aircraft.
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Cruising speed: 194 km/hr
The Cessna 172 is a high-decker aircraft that has been used for training purposes since 1956. Its cruising speed is 194 km/hr (105 knots), and its fuel consumption at this speed is approximately 26 litres per hour or 7-9 gallons per hour. This equates to roughly 13 litres per 100 km. The fuel consumption of the Cessna 172 depends on various factors, including speed, power settings, altitude, and weight.
The hourly fuel cost for a Cessna 172 ranges from $42 to $54 per hour of flight time, with Avgas costing around $6 per gallon. The overall variable operational costs of the aircraft range from $100 to $200 per hour.
Pilots can manage fuel efficiency by adjusting the power settings and optimising the fuel mixture. Flying at higher altitudes can also enhance fuel efficiency due to thinner air, reducing drag.
The Cessna 172 has a range of up to 640 nautical miles with a standard fuel tank configuration. With efficient power management, the aircraft can stay airborne for over five hours.
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Consumption at cruising speed: 26 litres per hour
The Cessna 172 is a single-engine propeller aircraft with a fuel consumption that depends on its speed. At a cruising speed of 194 km/hr, the Cessna 172 consumes approximately 26 litres per hour. This equates to a fuel burn rate of about 7 to 9 gallons per hour, or 8 gallons per hour when cruising at 125 mph.
To put this into perspective, consider that a Mercedes AMG has a fuel efficiency of 14 MPG, resulting in a fuel consumption of 8.6 gallons per hour when driven at 120 mph. This comparison highlights that the Cessna 172's fuel consumption per hour is relatively efficient for an aircraft, even when compared to a car.
It is important to note that fuel consumption rates can vary based on various factors, including the aircraft's configuration, weight, and weather conditions. Additionally, ensuring accurate information about fuel consumption and local fuel prices is crucial for effective fuel cost management.
The Cessna 172 is a popular aircraft for training and personal use, known for its spacious interior, excellent safety record, and high wing design, which enhances stability and visibility during flight.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cessna 172 burns about 7-9 gallons of fuel per hour.
The fuel consumption of a Cessna 172 depends on various factors, including speed, weight, configuration, and weather conditions.
The Cessna 172 has a fuel efficiency of approximately 15 miles per gallon (MPG), which is lower than most road cars on the highway. However, when comparing fuel burn rates per hour, the Cessna 172 may be more fuel-efficient than certain cars.
The Cessna 172 typically consumes about 26 litres of fuel per hour when cruising at an average speed of 194 kilometres per hour.
With Avgas costing around $6 per gallon, the hourly fuel cost for a Cessna 172 ranges from $42 to $54 per hour, depending on fuel consumption.
