Cessna 172 turns 50

Jay, I can see the ground without having to look forward, backward, or
tip a wing. (I have Cherokee time). But, then again, the turn to final
is a bit obstructed.

Jay Honeck wrote:

A very pleasing aircraft to fly and it was amazing to think
that I was flying around in a machine a half-century old!


It really is amazing to think that powered flight is only a bit over a
century old, and the Skyhawk has been flying for almost half that time.
Cessna really got it right.

Of course, one could also take the pessimistic viewpoint and bemoan the
lack of innovation for those 50 years. But it's truly hard to argue
with success.

Now, if only they would put the danged wing on the proper side!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

As an engineer looking at the 170B/172 from a mechanical design
standpoint, I particularily admire the roller-track system for the
flaps. Notice how the track etc system is arranged so that the flap
extends with a single pushrod (on each side of the A/C) yet is fully
restrained in the yaw direction.

Another feature that was new then was the centered and locked nosewheel
when the nose strut is extended.

Now, if only they would put the danged wing on the proper side!

So, fly it upside down.

Jose
--
Nothing takes longer than a shortcut.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
oups.com...
A very pleasing aircraft to fly and it was amazing to think
that I was flying around in a machine a half-century old!

It really is amazing to think that powered flight is only a bit over a
century old, and the Skyhawk has been flying for almost half that time.
Cessna really got it right.

Of course, one could also take the pessimistic viewpoint and bemoan the
lack of innovation for those 50 years. But it's truly hard to argue
with success.

Now, if only they would put the danged wing on the proper side!
:-)

The wing's OK it's the little wheel they got all wrong.

--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"