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Single-Engine Piston
SOLD — this aircraft's listing photos were removed at the source, which almost always means it sold or was withdrawn. Specs and the fyiEstimate stay for reference.

1981 CESSNA 172P SKYHAWK SOLD

Sparta, IL · USA
🕒 Listed 10 days ago
$167,500
fyiEstimate $172,500–$176,500 ⓘ How this estimate is built

Starts from the median asking price of 6 comparable Cessna 172P SKYHAWK listings ($142,450), then adjusts for:

  • Year +0 vs comparable listings -0.8%
  • Airframe time -7,598 hr vs comps +15.0%
  • Autopilot (33% of comps) +1.2%
  • ADS-B (50% of comps) +1.3%
  • Market supply: 4 for sale of 1111 FAA-registered +4.7%

Shown as a range. An estimate from asking-price comparables and FAA supply data — not an appraisal.

1981
1,335 hrs
N52280 ✈ Flight Tracking
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17274479
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1
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Overview

Make / ModelCessna 172P SKYHAWK
TypeSingle-Engine Piston
Airframe time1,335 hrs
Engine time1335 SNEW
Avionics / Nav / com radioKing KX 155
ADS-BYes
InspectionAnnual
Autopilot ADS-B

Description

Detailed Description SOLD -- Exceptionally low-time 1981 Cessna 172P with just 1,334.4 hours total airframe and engine time, powered by the proven 160 HP Lycoming O-320-D2J. Well-documented and thoughtfully equipped with dual NAV/COMs, ADS-B Out, autopilot, complete logs, and a December 2025 annual, making N52280 an attractive option for personal ownership, training, or time-building. The aircraft is currently being flown, so times are subject to change. All specifications, equipment, logbook history, and aircraft details should be independently verified by the buyer prior to purchase. SOLD -- Exceptionally low-time 1981 Cessna 172P with just 1,334.4 hours total time, complete logbooks, and a December 2025 annual. With only three owners, all based in Southern Illinois, and no known damage history. This is a well-documented, low-time airframe that should stand out to buyers looking for a clean 172 with a straightforward history.

Modifications

Powered by the proven 160 HP Lycoming O-320-D2J with approximately 1,334.4 hours total time, paired with a McCauley fixed-pitch propeller for a simple, dependable powerplant combination. An engine preheat system adds cold-weather convenience, making this a strong setup for personal flying, training, or time-building.

Avionics

Well-equipped panel with dual NAV/COMs, a King KX-155, uAvionix tailBeacon ADS-B Out, 4-place intercom, Cessna Nav-O-Matic autopilot, dual push-to-talk switches, ADF, and dual CDIs. It's a simple, familiar setup that's easy to use and well suited for everyday flying.

Recommended avionics upgrades

Garmin GTN 650Xi

No IFR GPS navigator is listed — a GTN 650Xi is the standard entry point for WAAS/LPV capability.

See prices & suppliers ›

Suggestions are based on the panel described in this listing; verify STC approval for this make/model before any installation.

Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs)

Checking FAA service difficulty reports…

Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

Checking airworthiness directives…

How this aircraft compares

Where this Cessna 172P SKYHAWK lands versus other Cessna 172P SKYHAWK listings on fyiAero.

Price

83rd pct
$96k$305kThis aircraft · $168k

$168k · 83rd percentile of 6 listings

Airframe time

14th pct
1,33522,950This aircraft · 1,335

1,335 hours total (TTAF) · 14th percentile of 7 listings

Engine time

43rd pct
203,276This aircraft · 1,335

1,335 hours since new · 43rd percentile of 7 listings

Percentile = share of comparable listings at or below this value. Lower airframe/engine hours are generally fresher; price reflects the asking price only.

Operating costs & specifications — Cessna 172

Typical model-level figures for the Cessna 172 (not this specific airframe).

$21,238annual budget · 148 hrs/yr
$88variable cost / hour
$0.81cost per nm
8.0gph fuel burn
$68,587avg pre-owned asking fyiEstimate  $172,500–$176,500

Performance & dimensions

Range420 nm
Cruise speed108 kts · 124 mph
Takeoff / landing950.0 / 600.0

About this plane

Single engine piston aircraft with fixed landing gear. The 172 seats up to 3 passengers plus 1 pilot.

Range from base

Still-air range ring — type an aircraft to change it. Compare aircraft on the Range tool ›

Last flight

Actual flight path from FlightAware for N52280. More flight tracking ›