We bought a Cessna 172 airplane to Renovate | Was it worth it?

Airplane renovation is an exciting but expensive and time consuming process. But once you finish it you own a very nice airplane for a much lower cost than buying one in similar condition.
So we bought this airplane from Iowa to renovate. 2 years and 75 hours of flying later I can say I’ve really enjoyed this airplane. Every time I fly I feel the accomplishment of the renovation.
I explained the details of the process we went through. Unfortunately, I didn't have step by step videos. So I had to use some stock photos in the video. Nonetheless, it is a detailed video of how we renovated the airplane.
I appreciate you watching the video. We make these detailed videos to share our experience and knowledge with others. Just like we like to learn from other's videos. It takes days to make a video like this. This is NOT a sales video. (Market prices rose significantly in 2020. Just an online ad is all it takes to sell a plane today. There's no need for a production video like this to sell a 172)
This plane actually sold before we even advertised it. The good news is, if you sign up for our email notifications you'll get priority notice when we have another plane for sale. You can do that on our website here: www.aerolifeaviation.com/Aler...

[@Anonymous99997]

That is a beautiful airplane. You guys did a great job.

[@aerolife1646]

Appreciate the comment, thank you for watching the video.

[@jvkrause]

Love these videos. Great work. So thorough and informative.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching our videos John and comment.

[@jamesrutherford9597]

Very nice and informative. Thank you

[@low_flying_aircraft9309]

Well done! Great job!

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching the video.

[@PapaRick68]

As always, great presentation

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the comment Rick and for watching the video.

[@seagullclub3236]

Had 2 172M's both 1975's one had long range tanks which was simply awesome I highly recommend putting them in .Both went over 2000hrs tbo. Always felt secure flying in them !

[@aerolife1646]

The long range tanks are definitely nice. You’re right, if they’re maintained they will easily go beyond TBO. Thanks for watching.

[@campgroundsacrossamerica]

I love your reviews~ Thanks Just purchased a 172 N and it was completely redone. 180 hp upgrade. Love that and new paint, avionics and prop. I think I got a great deal.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching and your comment, hope you enjoy your new plane.

[@stephensmith4480]

Came across your channel by chance and thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful job on the 172 by the way, it looks like it just left the Factory 👍.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the nice comment. The renovation came out nicely.

[@skylane1829]

Thanks for the video. You guys put a lot of effort and dedication and it show. Am sure you’re going to find a new home for it.

[@aerolife1646]

I truly appreciate your comment. As you said, it takes significant effort and days of time to make a video like this. Some people who don't know about us or our channel think this is a sales video. An online ad is all it takes to sell a plane, no need for a production video like this. Thank you again for your understanding and comment.

[@skylane1829]

@@aerolife1646 I have been toying around with maybe buying a 4 seat plane to get my Private and the others too so I keep watching what is out there and learning.

[@aerolife1646]

@@skylane1829 If you're not in a rush, that is the best way to do it. Learn and find the right fit. For flight training I always prefer at least the first 10-20 hours to use a trainer at a flight school. At the beginning of training students put a lot of stress on a plane so it is not worth the savings. After the initial period you can easily transition into your own plane to finish the training.

[@RonRana1]

AMAZING CONTENT! Very informative. Keep it up.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed. We plan to keep improving and adding videos to our channel.

[@craigpennington1251]

172s are cool and tons of fun to fly and pretty easy on the fuel. This one is nice. Thanks for a great video with lots of good info on this type project. Best wishes on the sale.

[@pittss2c601]

Really? There are as boring to fly as driving a minivan.

[@aerolife1646]

Appreciate the comment. I wish I had all the separate sections of the process recorded on video as that would have been much better. You’re right about the 172 - being the highest produced aircraft in the world proves your point.

[@rustyclam238]

Great video, and beautiful plane. Well done 👍.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, appreciate it

[@garyknepper4546]

Beautiful job. It looks great and seems to fly great.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, appreciate the comment.

[@chcr8150]

Love that paint job! Always had a soft spot for the 172M, got a lot of time in that model. They totally fly themselves.

[@aerolife1646]

They are a great plane to fly. Thank you for the comment.

[@philipgledhill7227]

Awesome Philip likes this one. Would love to fly this plane. Hope you are well take care and good luck for the future phil.

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks for the comment Philip.

[@bobbyvance4725]

Awesome video,,beautiful plane

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks for the comment.

[@petercornell5409]

That’s super cool!!

[@doranjaffas7351]

I have been flying for over 37 years. The 172 is a really station wagon type airplane to fly and I mean that as a compliment. It does everything very well for short commutes or longer cross-countries. A very gentle and stable airplane that gives passengers confidence. It is hard to make a station wagon type airplane stand out and look beautiful. kind of like trying to make a minivan look exceptional. But that being said you did it! This airplane is gorgeous and anyone would be proud to own it. Outstanding in every way in the looks department. I hope you have many years of enjoyment with it but if you do decide to sell it I hope someone else takes as good a care of it with as as was put into the refurbishing of it.

[@aerolife1646]

Appreciate your detailed information based on your experience. As you said, the 172 is one of the most versatile, economical and safe planes you can own. It is not a speedster but can do many things very well that other planes cannot. One of the most important things is the low pilot workload so you can actually enjoy flying. Many people don’t think of a 172 as a cross country airplane but as we speak one of our 172 has been arranged to transport from MN to Idaho over the Rockies. We recently acquired a 172 that was flown over the Atlantic Ocean with ferry tanks installed in the cabin.

[@easttexan2933]

Really nice 172. Y'all did a great job. Paint scheme is really nice also.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the comment, we appreciate it.

[@fbidawi]

GREAT VIDEO

[@rogerd9150]

Boy that is indeed a drop dead gorgeous paint scheme on that aircraft. Nice job! Not too crazy about the panel layout on it though.

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks for watching the video. The paint came out better than we expected. It is nice to have an upgraded panel in any plane; most people don't use a 172 for high demand flights like hard IFR. My personal plane is a full glass cockpit but I never felt there was anything missing for the 75 hours of VFR flight I took this on. If it'll be used in hard IFR then an upgraded panel would be great.

[@AClark-gs5gl]

In reference to having a paint job done: (Your suggestions are most awesome) I'd go solid white using most affordable paint, followed by a coat of clear (if available or approved on aircraft) and then save a lot of money by having decals and stripes applied by a vinyl wrap business. I would then wax and apply a ceramic polish finish 4 times a year, as I do my automobiles. Doing so helps to remove bugs and such from leading edge surfaces with a simple wipe of a moist micro-fiber cloth im between waxing, if need be after each flight. Great video btw.

[@aerolife1646]

I don't have enough knowledge to advise on that type of exterior.

[@1212CRMD]

Love your videos.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching them and the comment

[@pilotmiami1]

Bravo.thenks.Go Ahead

[@bernardanderson3758]

Happy Easter,, !,,

[@ronechols]

Beautiful Skyhawk!

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you.

[@oscaraguirre602]

Hi Aerolife,,, good aftrnoon,, greetings and thanks of share your video,,, lm fan of the aviation and wen l found your Chanel,,, l see your explanation with all my atention,,, Congratulaciones and have a good time,,, your friend Oscar de Playa del Carmen Q R México,,,

[@gjswilson]

great paint scheme, well done

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks, the paint did turn out nicely.

[@kenflaming4241]

That was very nice thank you

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you

[@randalldevalcourt4000]

Love the paint job---really does stand out!! You are spot with regards to the demand. I'm looking for one now, but i will not pay these crazy prices!!

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, we planned out the design and overall the plane came out nice. The market does have extremely high demand and prices seem to be rising continuously.

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

Paints ugly. 🤮

[@zoozolplexOne]

beautiful plane !!!

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the comment

[@ADAPTATION7]

Beaufitul paint job. Pristine condition. Very informative btw.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, it came out better than we expected. Appreciate the comment.

[@ericrolland9092]

That's a great looking 172!

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks, it did turn out nice.

[@FrankZambaras]

Love your videos and love this airplane too. Just curious though.... What kind of aviation paint shop isn't located on an airfield? I'm not ready to make my purchase just yet or I'd be interested in seeing her. Soon!

[@harryshaw4998]

Love the paint job

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks, the color and contrast with the design came better than we expected.

[@renardinosrenard9581]

She is so beautiful 😍!! Both of them!!!

[@mattivirta]

you need totally new eyeglasses or laser cutting you eye if say this beauty. uh.

[@frankward67]

You guys always have great video's and the pilot always seems to grease the planes down on the runway for landing. :)

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching our videos Frank. Yes, the pilot is doing a great job considering how many types of planes he has to fly and the energy management and landing technique of each type is different. Most of the time we have smooth landings but once in a while there are those not-so-good landings as well. No matter how experienced a pilot is, there will always be some of those.

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

Hello from Sydney, Australia. * Good news: you are back with always EXPERT appraisal of smaller aircraft. * the plexiglass crack was a real bummer (don't suppose a small drill hole at the end of the crack and glue fill)? * repainted surfaces, well maintained and run engine. * Use the old floor carpets as templets for new. Only the edging needs an industrial stitch edge. Thanks🎚

[@aerolife1646]

Good to hear from you John. It may be possible to fix the windshield as you mentioned but we are very limited in what we can do for repairs on certified planes. So the windshield had to replace.

[@wayneschenk5512]

Got a soft spot for the 172 learnt to fly one in the 80s one day I will own one.

[@Abc-ho9ku]

A real beauty! 😉😁😜👏

[@seriousthinking3088]

Nice !!!

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks

[@Imustfly]

Nice video, as usual !! What the heck did 35 people find to DISLIKE this video? Oh,...you probably didn't mention the afterburners or automatic prop wash reservoir filler. SMGDH.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the comment. I personally, hardly ever dislike a video unless they are extremely bad and wrong information, because someone or multiple someones put a considerable amount of time and effort into making them. Some people just don't have the understanding or appreciation. It surprises me that sometimes people will dislike a video for a tiny fact they didn't like in spite of all the good.

[@Yak54PR]

Great Paint Scheme... Don't know why I like it so much hehehehe... That is my Plane Lost Brother!! I also have an M..

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks, it did come out nice. And thanks for watching.

[@manmanman3951]

Great 👍

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you

[@crooked-halo]

Magnificent job! My dream is to buy an old, worn out, barely-flying 172 or 152 & restore it myself. I'm an A&P so I have the capability. My restoration will include 180 HP (if I choose a 152) and a tailwheel conversion to honor my dad, who developed the Texas Taildragger conversions/STCs for C-152s & 172s.

[@aerolife1646]

What a great way to honor your dad; good luck with your restoration. Being an A&P means you can do it more cost effectively.

[@ElCapitan12]

Looks good, but I like the look of the green tint glass on the Matterhorn white.

[@pareloader5989]

As an aircraft mechanic for over 30 years, yes ownership of a plane is great until you have to pay for an annual inspection every year. Ive seen annual inspections run upwards of $15,000. I personally think that kit planes or experimental aircraft are the way to go. This will avoid your annual inspection costs.

[@aerolife1646]

Our mechanics did one of the most detailed, extensive annuals on this plane since it had not flown for a few years. Usually a 172 annual is one of the least expensive. If the owner keeps up on the maintenance the annuals are fairly simple in these planes. If people work with independent mechanics the annual would usually be around $1000 or less. You are correct that the yearly condition inspection, maintenance and avionics upgrades on an experimental would cost much less than on a comparable certified plane.

[@MrTriath1337]

Dang, that's a hot 172!

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching the video. It actually came out really nice.

[@JeremyShick]

Would be great to see a cost breakdown. Price for the airplane, plus a cost for each item that was repaired/replaced.

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

Nice 172. The paint looks good. 5.400.- for the job is quiet a bargain. Hopefully it will come out to last some year’s. The interior is handsome and looks good. The panel, well to me a bit to old school. Of course it works, but to integrate some glass would be today’s standards. Add some Garmins GI 275…that’s today’s technology and makes the plane more modern and the flying safer. Bedsides that the plane seems to be a nice toy to go along with. Good job 👏

[@aerolife1646]

Aircraft painting is very labor intensive, even though the materials cost $5000-6000 the paint shop prices would be $18,000 and up. The latest avionics would be nice like you said.

[@Johnwilldo]

When I was a flying instructor I loved flying THE CESSNA 172 FOR INSTRUMENT FLYING AND NIGHT FLYING.

[@aerolife1646]

As you said, 172 are good planes for so many different things.

[@flybabyw6550]

You do not need an A&P or A&P/AI to perform an oil change just because your engine has a screen instead of a filter. The engine log just needs to be signed off correctly when it has been completed with the owners signature and date.

[@cmritchie04]

@15:25 between the mechanic and the paint shop their insurance company did not cover the cost of the windshield? Suggest you make some leather curtains to protect the instruments, comms, and navs when the aircraft is on the ground. Did you retro bright the instrument panel mold yourself? What did the airplane look like when you first got it? What was the total price tag when all said and done after upgrades? What microphone are you using to create the video?

[@aerolife1646]

If any plane has to park outside for more than a few days, it is best to use a cover or window reflectors. It is a good idea to protect the instruments and this will also protect the interior plastics.

[@jhonnyextremo]

Hard to believe that your company is investing so much money and so much time and no pictures of the process .... after view this is obvious we realize that may the condition of the airplane was better to keep unknown ....nice restoration ... good luck

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you. We bought this plane over 2 years ago. We even didn’t have this channel back then and had no reason to take photos. I wish we had.

[@galas455]

I went to Thief River Falls A&P school and graduated in 1977. BTW what part of Minn. are you based out of? I moved to Seattle in 1978 where I still live. Nice job on the airplane though I think I would have added some paint in the engine bay. Thanks for the video.

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks for watching. We have a few locations in MN. I don't know what is required to paint around the engine bay.

[@emilioperez5164]

any videos/pic of how it look before.?.

[@harmattandesign4153]

Does anybody know why a 172M would have an APU plug? What STC is that? Mine does not have one and as far as I know M's do not have it. Thanks!

[@aerolife1646]

Many planes have the plug option. It is a safer way to jump start the plane in case of a drained battery. You are correct that some do not have that option. I am not sure it was an STC but it was considered an optional upgrade from the factory.

[@peterxyz3541]

I respect this channel for addressing the reality of airplanes: cost I use to subscribe (pay money for) to Dwell magazine. Gradually realised it was a fantasy magazine, every tiny luxury home was +300,000.00. Any incompetent turd-for-brain can PAY for a solution. Only the smartest person can have a solution while having limited resource.

[@christophermichaelson9050]

The new paint job looks great, but @16:11 is that a paint drip at the left lower corner of the rear window?!

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks, It is not a paint drip, just a minor blemish in the window.

[@gjurczyc]

MSFS has the same livery, really beautiful plane in real life.

[@wcottee]

Was there a reason why you didn't put the glass panel on the pilot side? It must be hard for someone in the left seat to use it.

[@aerolife1646]

That would be nice but that would require moving the primary gauges which is a very expensive upgrade.

[@craigpennington1251]

P.S. Had those exact same type seat belts in my 66 GTO. They should be in every car made. Much better than what's in now. Aircraft seat belts actually work. When you have the (proper) equipment, there's no need for airbags.

[@aerolife1646]

You’re right. The 4 point harness is probably the safest, this one only has the 3 point harness up front.

[@robinj.9329]

Humm. In the very early days of Aviation, airplanes flew FOR DECADES with no Pitot-Static system at all. And for my training way back 50 years ago, my CFI would have me fly the whole lesson one or one and a half hours, with the airspeed indicator COVERED UP! No sweat!

[@aerolife1646]

I know some CFIs who do that, probably to get a feel for flying the plane just on feeling alone.

[@mattivirta]

flame resistance material same what car need be today. not anythink expensive textiles.

[@cirrus868ll]

Great plane! Where is it located at. I will be interested in buying. Let me know thanks

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for your interest. You can find the details here: www.aerolifeaviation.com/Item/Index?idun=1021&1974-CESSNA-172M-Skyhawk It is located in Minnesota

[@rodneycichon5993]

Rod Cichon: what is the price on that 172 if you don’t mind me asking??

[@christianbenn316]

I,m a lover of the C172s

[@muhammadsteinberg]

Somehow the word "FANTASTIC " doesn't do that gorgeous old bird justice! Debating on whether to ditch my 0-320-H2ad (172N, non T-modded)for that engine.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you. If you are planning to change your engine I would consider putting a 180hp which would increase the value and performance of the plane. Please watch our video of the 172 180hp.

[@muhammadsteinberg]

@@aerolife1646 My understanding is I would have to give up 10deg of flaps for that. Gains seem minimal for the cost. I have about 1200hrs before TBO. I got lots of time to think about it if nothing unexpected pops up.

[@tayfunyakici1014]

good

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks

[@reinhart482]

Any interest in purchasing any of the vans rv models?

[@aerolife1646]

Yes. they are very nice planes. We actually have a rv12 coming soon and we’ll be making a video of it as well.

[@peerplaut]

She is the only one I would trust to sell me an airplane.. :p

[@davidrubaloff5725]

Wonder if you have a carbon dioxide detector?

[@youngbloodalan]

What did you pay for the plane originally? What did the restoration cost and how long did it take?

[@aerolife1646]

For the next refurbishment I plan to keep detailed videos and records.

[@youngbloodalan]

@@aerolife1646 What was the initial purchase price of the plane. Ballpark is fine if you don't know exactly. Since you bought it to flip, was it a worthwhile project?

[@robertburger6761]

Plane for sale? I'am looking to buy for my pilot training.

[@stevenk6638]

The unanswered question is : why sell it ? OR, why buy an airplane, do a renovation and then not keep it ? You didn't discuss doing any inspection of wings and fusilage for corrision and fuel tank inspection along with control system inspection and replacement - why ?

[@pittss2c601]

Great points. I am much more concerned that the aircraft is perfectly mechanically sound versus a beautiful paint job. Your life is on the line.

[@aerolife1646]

Did you get a chance to watch the full video? It answers all those questions - the airframe and mechanical condition are more important than how a plane looks. So I explained in the video what components we checked before we decided on this plane. And details of the engine as well.

[@aerolife1646]

Yes, I explained the details of how we decided to buy this plane. If the airplane had had any issues or corrosion we would not have purchased it. We also have the detailed logs of what we did in the website.

[@majidmajid1848]

How much for this

[@majidmajid1848]

How much for this?

[@richardhetrick4770]

It is better to buy old verses new hanger kept make better like garage kept car. Buy in low humidity area like texas verses pa ohio michigan with alot snow and humidity

[@aerolife1646]

You're right, hangar kept and low humidity environments are the best for planes

[@noway990]

What's up with the jet frozen in the sky behind you?

[@aerolife1646]

I was wondering that during editing also - it is actually a reflection off the antenna cable going to the tail.

[@AusVelocity]

If it's taking 2 guys nearly 4 weeks of full time work to paint an aeroplane then you got hosed. The owner will pay the guys for a weeks work then fly his family to Vegas with the remaining 13 grand. Isn't the aeroplane premium just lovely. I'm guessing the paint is certified with a part number too!?

[@davidvicari5139]

What You Don’t Get- the sheer acreage of an aircraft. That is a LOT of area to strip, prep, mask, prime, finish. Duh, your car does not fly at altitude. Duh, aircraft like a 172 can be maintained to fly 100 years from now. It is false economy to go cheap ass like you propose.

[@aerolife1646]

I don’t know the exact timeframe but it is extremely time consuming. The aircraft painting materials are premium grade to withstand the weather and protect the plane.

[@aerolife1646]

You’re right. I have been involved in painting a vehicle just to learn. Compared to aircraft painting, vehicle painting is significantly less work and materials. Preparing for painting is almost 80% of the work.

[@kennethwebber1896]

Yeh! I know GA is a Ripp off and a racket massive price margins on every little detail still I suppose the thinking is if every body could do flying we wouldn't have much more left to aspire to but not everybody has a passion for flying like some of us do especialy those numbers of people who hate flying and neather do some of those who can more than afford it who do it mainly for a status symbol I suppose they like there playground cleared of all the other kids when checking in and out through customs during there island hopping jollys.😉😐

[@lariza9659]

Hi. How many people can you fit on a 172M? Thank you in advance for your answer.

[@rogerd9150]

Typically 4 adults, however, you always need to be sure to check your weight and balances before flying.

[@aerolife1646]

The Cessna 172 is a 4 place airplane but it is not really designed to carry four adults for long distance. If you do need to carry 4 make sure to review the weight and balance and reduce the fuel load as necessary.

[@aerolife1646]

Good advice Roger

[@lariza9659]

@@aerolife1646 Thank you very much for your answer. God Bless.

[@pittss2c601]

4 place airplanes really mean 2 to 3 people. 6 place airplanes really mean 3 to 4 people. The load carrying capabilities of general aviation aircraft are typically grossly overstated.

[@robertwymer4952]

Working on the ground school online with Jeppesen. Looking to buy something like your Cessna 172 to do the flight training -- save on renting. Planning to give you a call.

[@aerolife1646]

Glad you decided to join the aviation community and become an aviator. Self study ground is both cost and time effective. I would suggest to use a flight school's 172 for the first 10-15 hours of your training which is when you put the most stress on the plane. Then you can transition into your own plane to finish out. We have a 172M coming, please contact us for details when you're ready to make a purchase.

[@66hpz766]

what was the buying price please? tkx

[@aerolife1646]

Please see the details on our website: www.aerolifeaviation.com/Item/Index?idun=1021&1974-CESSNA-172M-Skyhawk

[@AClark-gs5gl]

Love the concept and your video series! Would like to take a 61' or 62' Cessna 172 fast back with slant tail and performing a complete refurbishment, to include the addition of a pusg button ignition, 180-H.P conversion, 3-blade prop and T-handle throttle control lever. Why a fast back? If you look at most modern high wing designs/P2010 for example, the are all fast back. That combined with a modern paint scheme, will make for one awesome looking 172...possibly more modern than the current 172, imho. If when I decide to sell it and it sells quickly, I may purchase another one and add the Continental 155 diesel in place of a 180-H.P conversion and immediately sell it upon full reburb completion. (Will be priced as fairly as possible, as my goal is to try and make other 172 fans...happy). Please advise if you happen to ever have one for sale. Thanks!!

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching and the comment. Since these are certified airplanes you need STC to do major modifications or would have to reregister it in the Experimental category. There are many things you can do to bring the older planes into the modern world. Please subscribe to our email notices to get contacted on the type of planes you are looking for.

[@nixxonnor]

What model year is this? 1974?

[@aerolife1646]

Yes, I believe it is.

[@drpando]

Must be low horsepower, or else they would have touted it. Why state the engine model and all this and all that, but not a peep about the hp? And not even gi275 upgrade in the panel? Forces the new owner to bear the cost, labor, and down time to have to do it.

[@Mike-01234]

Later models like the S had 180 horse power I always thought the best model for the money was the 172N has 160 HP engine still find them for less then 100k. IMO I would just build an RV spend around 100k get lot more for your money something that can cruise near 200 mph with fixed landing gear can't beat that for the price.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching the video. Lycoming E2D is a 150hp engine. (If you are familiar with us you know we do not hide details, just forgot to mention) It is always nice to have newer avionics but it is not a necessity. This plane was flown 3500 hours as it is. But if the plan is to fly hard IFR then it is good to invest in a navigator, auto pilot and backup AI.

[@aerolife1646]

You are correct, the 180hp engine in a 172 (either factory later models or the STC upgrade of earlier models) is a better plane. I have a full video in our channel explaining the differences. As you mentioned, the Cessna 172N can be bought for less. This is because the H2AD engine experiences problems in the valve train which results in cam and tappet spalling. So the demand for the N model with 160hp engine is less than the M with the E2D engine 150hp. The RV is a very good experimental plane. Most RV builders take 2-4 years (thousands of hours) to complete their RV.

[@richardsmith4187]

Why are you selling the plane after all that work and very little flying time ?

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching I have to sell them so I can buy the next one and make the next video.

[@mattivirta]

dont ewer use vinyl or leather plane seat, you need sit lonmgtime this and vinyl and leather have very non comfortable long time sit, sweat,hot, and not breathe anythink. lot better use textil seat.

[@Chris_Hetherington]

What? 😂

[@irandoosty]

Where is the before photos ?

[@aerolife1646]

Never planned to do a video like this of the plane so didn’t get ‘before’ photos.

[@onez3]

@@aerolife1646 Do you still have this? Still for sale?

[@FlyingNDriving]

I mean, the M is the best model of 172 ever made soooo

[@djbred18]

Laughs in S model

[@FlyingNDriving]

Sees your useful load,* giggles

[@aerolife1646]

The 172M is the best early model 172. The newer model 172 are better in some respects.

[@conservativeokie]

Ah... Does anyone else see the UFO-meteor-comet / 21st century witchcraft just seemingly frozen above her left shoulder in the distant sky!? 🧐

[@aerolife1646]

That’s actually a reflection off the cable that runs from the top of the fuselage to the tail that’s found on some of these Cessna models.

[@conservativeokie]

@@aerolife1646 I know that is the logical answer, but it is much more fun to assume it is really Hagrid on his Harley-broom caught on camera! I’m sticking with witchcraft!!! 🧙🏼‍♂️

[@jimallen3392]

Both of these birds shine. I don't fly, but I'm even saying it looks beautiful.

[@JKHOUSE]

oh my ~ Tandy？is that u ？？？

[@brianparkman8183]

Nice refurbish. But as clean as the panel is it's a shame to do all that and not upgrade the panel. At least a G430 and preferably a G650.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you. It would be nice to have 650. I am flying 177RG fully refurbished with G500/GTN650/GTX345/JPI930. The only thing is it cost almost the price of the plane to do that type of upgrade.

[@mrbizi5652]

I think the panel would be great to have uAvionix AV30C controlling their TailBeacon and then a GI275 connected to GNC355. It would dramatically modernize the look and appeal to new pilots I’m thinking as it would add so much situational awareness plus remove need for vacuum system and associated maintenance down the line.

[@aerolife1646]

@@mrbizi5652 I am thinking to make a detailed video about avionics upgrades in the future. I personally enjoy flying both - the latest avionics and more original like this. Upgrades are mostly personal preference but especially the types of flights a pilot will be flying. This panel has been upgraded from the original with all digital avionics. Any new upgrades would become old and obsolete over time.

[@davidvicari5139]

That type of upgrade might make financial sense for a 172 owned by a flight school earning money on instrument training per hour. To be actually useful for instrument travel, IMHO that type of equipment might be overkill in a 172. Other considerations would be speed and endurance. It does little good to be equipped for RNAV approaches if you do not have the endurance to plan appropriately for alternates, or the speed to overcome headwinds. It might make sense to go up a notch I. Performance before going with a $30k panel upgrade. As such, the 172M here can be considered perfectly suitable to mission as equipped. The steam gauges, with IPad ForeFlight and ADSB is a lot of VFR bang for buck.

[@mrbizi5652]

@@davidvicari5139 true but with TailBeacon they can add the AV30C $2k and then they can get ADSB transponder control head, moving map, traffic, ADHRS, entire six pack in one instrument, AI, ASI, VSI, HI, etc, VFR gps backup, for $4k get two of them and completely remove the vacuum pump issues, remove old transponder etc. IMHO modern flight schools in urban areas need to teach students the modern systems and this plane is very close to achieving that just a couple of changes. Anyhow that’s just me.

[@JKHOUSE]

pls，if it's Tandy，pls let her know，I‘m Jilly，and i wanna get in touch with her

[@scottfranco1962]

oooufff.... needs glass. Otherwise very nice.

[@aerolife1646]

It would have been good to replace all glass

[@paulbrenton939]

Not much space awareness left and right displayed here, I do more checks driving my UK car.!!

[@aerolife1646]

The PIC is separate from the person doing the videos so they can focus on flying the plane.

[@truthteller8459]

I'm not a pilot due to my eyesight but without a doubt the FIRST priority should be the safety of how the plane operates and its overall condition, not how it "turns heads" etc. as you fly into airports. Some people sadly are so self-obsessed with how others see them instead of their, and others safety, as shown in this video, sad.

[@aerolife1646]

The video shows in detail the extent of maintenance done to the engine and aircraft. Because safely is the most important. Sadly, you either didn't watch the full video or have a different motive to make a comment like that. If you ever become a pilot, you will understand; aviation, unlike other fields is a very friendly community that do not attack or insult others.

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

You’re to worried about aesthetics instead of performance. That’s why you’re selling it.

[@aerolife1646]

You’re probably new to our channel. This 172M performs the same as any other 172. They are very rugged, very safe and very economical to fly. I fly many different planes including much larger, faster planes and overall the 172 does a fantastic job as a 150hp, 4 place plane.

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

@@aerolife1646 Front it to me I’ll make payments. I’m a 45 year pilot With Private, IFR, Multi engine.

[@davidvicari5139]

@@thelastrebelshow1627 sounds like you are a poor risk at your bank.

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

@@davidvicari5139 I was kidding, I own two planes and have flow airplanes since I was a kid. I’m 60 , Got my private the day I turned 16. You on the other have maybe taken a discovery flight and now it’s your dream.

[@davidvicari5139]

@@thelastrebelshow1627 why would this nice girl “front” her beautiful airplane to you? Mr. Experience, go check out 172s lately. This plane will be snapped up very quickly. I will not play mine is bigger with the likes of you.