The story
The 172RG is essentially a Skyhawk fitted with the retractable landing gear of the Cessna R182 Skylane RG, a 180-hp Lycoming O-360 and a constant-speed propeller. It first flew in August 1978 and reached the market in 1980, cruising at about 140 knots against roughly 122 for a fixed-gear 172. General aviation was in a slump, and only 1,191 were built before production ended in 1985, but it became a popular, inexpensive trainer for pilots moving up to complex aircraft.
Cessna employees joked that it was 'a new Cessna that already withstood the test of time', because it paired the proven 172 airframe with the existing Skylane RG gear.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG?
On the ground it looks much like any high-wing 172, so watch it take off: a Skyhawk whose wheels come up is a 172RG. Standard 172s never retract their gear.
What does a Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG sound like?
A 172 with a bit more growl, from the 180-hp engine and constant-speed prop.
How many people does the Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG carry?
Typical configuration: 1 pilot + 3 passengers.
When did the Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG first fly?
Its first flight was in 1978.
How many Cessna 172RG Cutlass RGs have been built?
1,191 built.
How rare is a Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG catch is worth 25 points.
