Interested in Cessnas

[ervine.dy]

I'm currently searching for a Cessna high-wing aircraft. I've previously flown a variety of planes, including the Cessna Cardinal 177RG, which I enjoyed. However, I'm concerned about the availability of avgas and the limited takeoff performance of the Cardinal on grass runways.

I'm considering the Cessna 172 or 182. I understand that some models can run on both avgas and mogas, and they are better suited for grass runways.

I've never flown a 182, so I'd like to find an owner to get some firsthand experience. Do you have any advice or recommendations?

 

[rodrick12]

If the 172 isn't good enough, try a 182. It's faster and bigger, and has good range as well.

 

[Earl]

The 182 on grass outperforms the 177 or 172 everytime. Mogas ready 182’s are hard to find.

 

[bisham]

We have a T-41 (a 172 with 210 horsepower). A Cessna R172K 'hawk XP has 195 horsepower and can be converted to 210 horsepower. Cheaper to operate than a 182 and performs close to the same. But, I would never use auto fuel, too much risk at the cost of an engine overhaul or replacement.

 

[Earl]

Per Cessna, the 210hp 172XP was discontinued after 1,450 units were completed. Engine problems such as cylinder cracking and piston, ring and valve trouble was the main reason.

 

[bisham]

Hi Earl, not sure what "Per Cessna" you are quoting but would like to have the details because none of the reasons listed had anything to do with them stopping production of the XP. Can you tell me who told you this or where you read it?

 

[Earl]

This is a similar article to the one I found when researching the XP when I was considering buying one a few years ago.
Cessna stopped making the 172 XP model, also known as the "Hawk XP," primarily due to significant engine reliability issues with the Continental IO-360-K and -KB engine used in the aircraft, which led to high maintenance costs, low compression, and cylinder problems, ultimately causing poor sales and prompting Cessna to discontinue production after a relatively short run.

 

[bisham]

Here is an article on the XP that covers it fairly. Yes, the original -K engine had some issues but the -KB version (which most have now) is much better and has a 2,000 hour TBO.
https://www.avweb.com/features/cessna-hawk-xp/