This 1978 Cessna R172K Is an Ideally Modified ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

1978 Cessna R172K Skyhawk [Courtesy: Ken Frey]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Cessna R172K Skyhawk.

Many people who learn to fly in Cessna 172s develop a strong affection for the aircraft due to their easy handling, forgiving flight characteristics, and seeming unwillingness to stall unless forced to do so.

Many of these pilots wind up buying 172s as their first aircraft. Others might consider doing so but will say they wished the airplane had a bit more power. And wouldn’t it be nice if you could get one with a tailwheel?

Cessna answered the first wish at the factory by rolling out the R172K, also known as the Hawk XP, which came with a 195 hp Lycoming IO-360 engine. Finding a 172 taildragger might be a little more difficult because Cessna did not build them that way, but many have been converted to conventional gear, providing something like a smaller sibling to the Cessna 180 and 185.

The aircraft for sale here is the rare combination of the higher-powered XP with a tailwheel conversion—a wish come true for many airplane shoppers.

While this version of the 172 is likely to add a large dose of fun to your flying experience, it also makes a more robust traveling aircraft with faster climb and cruise speeds, and increased useful load. Enhanced STOL capability opens the door to backcountry excursions.

This 1978 Hawk XP has 1,840 hours on the airframe and its Lycoming IO-360 engine. The panel includes a Garmin GNS 430 WAAS GPS/nav/comm, Narco 12E nav/comm, Garmin 396, and four-place intercom. The aircraft is equipped with a Bush STOL kit and an engine heater and can carry 68 gallons of fuel.

Pilots who have a special place in their hearts for the Cessna 172 but wish it had more power and a tailwheel might see a rare opportunity should look at this 1978 R172 Hawk XP, which is available for $125,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.