Meet Cessna 172 Skyhawk
The Skyhawk developed from the tailwheel Cessna 170, adopting tricycle landing gear. The first 172 flew in 1955. Its combination of a practical cabin, fixed undercarriage and straightforward layout helped make it a familiar aircraft for personal flying and instruction.
The 172's long history includes different engines, panels and equipment. That variety is especially visible in simulation: a conventional-instrument aircraft, a G1000-equipped version and an add-on with persistent maintenance systems offer different experiences despite sharing the same basic silhouette.
In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
172 Skyhawk (G1000)
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Edition / package Standard
172 Skyhawk
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Edition / package Deluxe
Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000)
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Edition / package Standard
Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Edition / package Deluxe
Cessna 172 SP
Laminar Research
Edition / package Desktop
The bundled X-Plane Skyhawk has its own cockpit reference
Laminar's manual documents the C172's primary controls, trim console, instruments and autopilot. Its illustrated cockpit guide and configuration checks describe the bundled aircraft. They do not establish the maintenance systems or custom avionics offered by independent C172 developers.
Laminar Research · Cessna 172 SP POH ↗Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.7-8,45; center console and preflight
Cessna 172 SP
Laminar Research
Edition / package Desktop
The bundled X-Plane Skyhawk has its own cockpit reference
Laminar's manual documents the C172's primary controls, trim console, instruments and autopilot. Its illustrated cockpit guide and configuration checks describe the bundled aircraft. They do not establish the maintenance systems or custom avionics offered by independent C172 developers.
Laminar Research · Cessna 172 SP POH ↗Archived simulator manual; installed package revision not observed · PDF pp.7-8,45; center console and preflight
C172 NG Digital
Airfoillabs
An aircraft with persistent mechanical condition
Airfoillabs describes per-cylinder engine simulation, a custom electrical system and persistent wear in its C172 NG. The published features include tyres, brakes and structural damage, alongside an interactive walkaround and preserved aircraft state. The result is a different product scope from simply selecting a conventional or glass instrument panel; those are developer-described capabilities, not an independent fidelity rating.
Airfoillabs · C172 Digital ↗C172 NG Digital 1.6.2; XP12 · Flight model; electrical; engine/fuel/gear; versions
Pilot perspectives
Cessna 172: Everyman’s Airplane
AOPA Pilot, May 1992: a retrospective on the real Skyhawk.
Manuals & resources
Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Manual
Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft manualsMicrosoft / aircraft developers Cessna 172 SP POHLaminar Research X-Plane 12 Desktop ManualLaminar Research X-Plane aircraft and avionics manualsLaminar Research X-Plane 11 Desktop ManualLaminar ResearchAircraft background
Cessna 172Wikipedia contributors · Research background · Wikipedia revision 1374422697 · retrieved 2026-09-12Resource
MSFS 2024 FAQ and edition aircraft inventoryMicrosoft MSFS 2020 FAQ and edition aircraft inventoryMicrosoft C172 DigitalAirfoillabsSomething missing or a source that needs attention?
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