This is the world's oldest plane still in production

[Gerald]

The Cessna 172, a light airplane popular for training pilots, has remained mostly unchanged for more than 60 years.

It was marketed as the "land-o-matic" because it is so easy to land. The robustness, reliability and versatility of the Cessna 172 has allowed it to clock up the longest production run of any aircraft in histiry.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20171205-this-is-the-worlds-oldest-plane-still-in-production

This article would have matched our friend GR here but are eager to post something that I know.:)

[Aktungbby]

that's what I learned in!

[Rockstar]

The Cessna 172 made its debut well after your pilot certification didn't it? Don't lie we've seen the pictures.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n-i6LGPPEIY/TOiORDU73DI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/-ap2yTgpYu0/s1600-R/pterodactyl.JPG

[GoldenRivet]

It certainly is a legend.

My introductory flying lesson on October 3rd, 1998 took place aboard a Cessna 172R which had just been purchased by the flight school i attended at the time. It had less than 50 hours total time on the airframe and engine, and was still running the manufacturer's recommended break-in oil.

before long, i was signed off to solo in the 172R. I lined up on the runway, at 18 years old (I would turn 19 a few months later) , and thought to myself that these maniacs have just entrusted me to flying this $300,000 airplane all by myself. Shortly after that, a growing list of maniacs (instructors were rushing off to other jobs in a hurry back then) had endorsed for solo in a Grumman Cheetah and Beechcraft sundowner, though ultimately i took my private pilot check ride in the Grumman, not the Cessna.

My first hour of dual instruction as a flight instructor would come in a Cessna 172N, on the morning of my 23rd birthday, just four short years later. The owner of the flight school advanced my pay with a single dollar bill, framed in a 5x7 frame. I still have it here next to my desk.

the first student i ever signed off for solo was in a 172. The first student i ever sent up for a check ride was in a 172.

The 172 and I have a lot of memories together, as she does with many many other pilots out there.

[Gerald]

^Interesting reading John.:up:

[Eichhörnchen]

It's a very pretty aeroplane, too

[GoldenRivet]

Its amazing how each individual machine, same size, similar shape, designed for the same purpose... but with their small variations in design can have such vastly different personalities all their own

Take the 172 compared to the Grumman Cheetah.

both roughly the same size and weight, similar horsepower, same seating capacity etc

but the 172 will carry more, and is more truck like

the cheetah is more nimble, maneuverable and feels like a fighter plane