A plane so good it's still in production after 60 years
I'm surprised the article doesn't mention the Cessna 182, which also started production in 1956 and is still rolling out of the factory new today.<p>While the article extols the virtue of the 172's engine, the fact is that the vast majority of them are running very old designs with carburetors and on Avgas. Avgas still contains lead. These old engines are hugely inefficient and flown incorrectly prone to cracked cylinders. Newer models are fuel injected and there are also a few diesel conversions.<p>All Cessna single engine aircraft now have to undergo supplementary inspections (SIDS), at least in Australia and I think it is the same in the US. I've seen first hand the horrendous amount of corrosion which can hide in a 50 year old aeroplane and not be found until the wings are removed. These SIDS inspections have the potential to ground much of the older 152/172/182 fleet and render what was a $25,000 asset practically worthless. It will be uneconomical to repair in many cases.<p>The above has happened to me personally with a Cessna 182. In the end it was sold for scrap with only the engine and avionics retaining any value. I've also seen the costs of these inspections on a Cessna 210 exceed $20,000. It needed a whole new main wing spar amongst other things.<p>The point I am making is that these very old single engine light aircraft need very meticulous inspections now to ensure they are still safe to fly. I do believe there are probably quite a few seriously at risk aeroplanes still flying today, especially if they have been left outside in coastal areas for any length of time.<p>I used to own a light aeroplane maintenance business.