Retracting the gear on a Cessna 172 significantly boosts its performance, especially when coupled with a larger engine.

It's been said to be the easiest plane to fly, which is why it remains so popular among private pilots and flight schools. The Cessna 172 was first produced in 1956 and continues to be built today.

For a four-person (at capacity), the flying range is reduced to 440 NM. The Cessna 172 has a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 2,450 lbs (1,110 kg). The four-cylinder Lycoming IO-360 horizontal ...