How Far Can a Cessna 172 Fly on a Full Tank of Fuel?
As an avid Cessna 172 pilot and aviation enthusiast, I often get asked just how far one of these trusty 4-seat single engine airplanes can fly when filled up with a full tank of gasoline. The short answer is a maximum range of about 650-800 nautical miles, or approximately 750-920 miles.
Of course as with any aircraft, the actual range depends on several important factors like winds, power settings, and loading weight. In optimal conditions, most Cessna 172 models can fly for 4-5 hours fully loaded with fuel before needing to refuel.
Range and Endurance Varies by Model
Not all Cessna 172s are created equal when it comes to range capabilities. The early models produced between 1956 and 1960 had less powerful 145 hp Continental O-300 engines and a standard fuel capacity of just 42 gallons. These versions had a maximum range of only about 520 nautical miles, or 600 miles.
The later 172 models including the ubiquitous 172S produced from 1998 onward came equipped with 180 hp Lycoming IO-360-L2A engines and up to 56 gallons of usable fuel capacity. These specs give the modern 172S a maximum range of 770 nm, or 885 miles flying at 75% power at 10,000 ft according to Cessna.
Here‘s a quick specs comparison table for some of the most popular Cessna 172 models over the decades:
| Model | Engine | Fuel Capacity | Max Range | Max Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 (1956-1960) | Continental O-300 | 42 gal | 520 nm | 5.5 hrs |
| 172M (1975-1976) | Lycoming O-320 | 42 gal | 678 nm | 7.2 hrs |
| 172N (1978-1986) | Lycoming O-320 | 56 gal | 705 nm | 7.3 hrs |
| 172R (1996-Present) | Lycoming IO-360-L2A | 56 gal | 740 nm | 7.8 hrs |
| 172S (1998-Present) | Lycoming IO-360-L2A | 56 gal | 770 nm | 8.3 hrs |
Slowing Down Extends the Range
One of the best ways to stretch a full tank of fuel further in a Cessna 172 is to reduce the cruise power setting. Most 172s reach their maximum range using only about 55-65% power at a relatively slow cruise speed of 100-110 knots.
For example, according to the pilot operating handbook, the 172S can fly for 8.3 hours on a full 56 gallons while cruising at just 102 knots (117 mph) using only 55% power at 10,000 ft.
That‘s over 50 additional miles compared to flying faster at the 172S‘s 123 knot (142 mph) maximum cruise speed which only provides 5.3 hours of range per tank.
As with any aircraft, flying slower maximizes range, so unless you‘re in a hurry consider throttling back to stretch a full tank further.
Strong Headwinds or Tailwinds Can Significantly Alter Range
One variable every pilot has to contend with that can dramatically affect range is wind direction and velocity. For example, flying into a 20 knot headwind will reduce your ground speed, and therefore relative range, by about 20%.
The opposite is true when blessed with tailwinds – your 172‘s range gets extended by a similar percentage over the ground. It‘s not uncommon for a 180 mile change in range to occur between flying in strong headwinds versus strong tailwinds.
That‘s why checking the winds aloft forecast becomes critical when flying a Cessna 172 cross country near its maximum range limit. You need to carefully evaluate the wind component along your planned route to ensure you have adequate fuel reserves to make it to your planned fuel stops.
Which leads to the next way to extend your range…
Careful Leaning Improves Fuel Efficiency
One technique every 172 pilot should master is leaning the engine fuel mixture for cruise flight. Most 172s operate best in terms of fuel efficiency when flying above 5000 ft by leaning the mixture to a lower fuel flow rate.
According to my POH, I can lean my Skyhawk SP to about 100 degrees rich of peak EGT at 75% power which improves fuel burn by 7%. So for longer cross country flights, I‘ll carefully lean the mixture once I level off above 5000 ft to stretch my range.
It takes some practice, but leaning properly for cruise can add between 5-15% more range depending on the altitude you‘re flying at.
Flying Cross Country – LA to Dallas Nonstop!
To give you a real world idea of what a Cessna 172‘s range capabilities allow you to do, let‘s plan out a challenging cross country flight. How about flying nonstop from Los Angeles to Dallas, TX without refueling?
This flight is right at the edge of a modern 180hp Cessna 172‘s range limit. Here is one example route I mapped out using ForeFlight:
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Dallas (DFW): 1,240 nm
- Winds aloft forecast: Average 15 knot tailwind
- Heading: 070° magnetic
- Total time enroute: 8 hours
To comfortably make this long cross country trip nonstop, there are a few key factors I considered:
- Carefully check winds aloft forecasts to take advantage of optimal tailwinds
- File IFR to ensure traffic separation and radar monitoring if needed
- Fly between 8000-10000 ft for best fuel efficiency
- Lean the mixture once cruising above 5000 ft
- Carry 60 gallons of fuel including reserves required by regulations
- Limit baggage weight to essentials
- Have contingencies identified if forced to divert short of Dallas
While this LA to Dallas trip is right at the max range limit for a 180hp Cessna 172, it shows just how far you can go in one of these fun four-seat single engines when you carefully maximize its capabilities as a pilot.
So next time you look at a 172 and wonder "how far could I really fly in that small plane?" – the answer is a whole lot farther than you might think! Whether planning a local sightseeing flight or a long distance cross country, a 172 offers plenty of flexibility if flown properly.
