The most popular single-engine aircraft ever built, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a four-seat, high-wing airplane ideal for training and personal flying. With predictable handling and low operating costs around $195 per hour, the Skyhawk remains the go-to choice for new pilots and weekend flyers with a range of 640 nautical miles.
Costs are estimates and vary based on fuel prices, annual flight hours, maintenance programs, insurance, hangar fees, and region. The low end reflects direct operating costs; the high end includes fixed costs amortized over ~200 flight hours per year.