The Cessna 172 is the most manufactured light aircraft in history
An airplane is called an aircraft equipped with wings whose weight is greater than that of air, and can be sustained and moved thanks to the operation of one or more engines. The adjective light , as it refers to that which has a reduced weight or that is fast and agile.
A small aircraft
A light aircraft , therefore, is a small-sized aircraft . Also known as a small plane , it is a low-powered airplane that is usually used for short-distance trips and leisure flights.
At a general level, it could be indicated that a light aircraft has capacity for up to eight passengers and a range of no more than 3,200 kilometers . Due to its characteristics, it does not require a very long runway to take off or land.
The Cessna 172 is an example of a light aircraft. It can carry three passengers and its maximum takeoff weight is 1100 kg . Another well-known light aircraft is the Beechcraft Baron , with capacity for five passengers and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,313 kg .
The weight of the light aircraft
There is no single criterion to establish what type of aircraft can be defined as light . Generally, a certain maximum weight is taken into account as a limit : those that do not reach this mark can be classified as light.
For the International Civil Aviation Organization , a small aircraft is one whose weight does not exceed 5700 kilograms . Taking this parameter into account, it is possible to say that a light aircraft weighs up to 5700 kg .
The regulations, however, do not include the term light aircraft. Other variables beyond weight can also be considered in the ratings, such as power and number of seats .
Cessna 172 Skyhawk
In addition to the aforementioned characteristics of this light aircraft, we can add that it has a single engine and has a high wing. The company that manufactures it is precisely Cessna , and this model is the most popular as a training ship worldwide.
Its emergence took place in 1956, and from then until 2012 the number of units manufactured rose to 43 thousand. Throughout its long history, its rivals have included the Beechcraft Musketeer , the Piper Cherokee , the Symphony SA-160 , the DA40 and the Grumman Cheetah .
The design of this light aircraft remained almost intact for a time, but later it underwent certain very specific changes, such as the revision of its landing gear, the addition of a stern window and the reduction in height of the rear part. In the mid-1960s they achieved the final structure , which continues to be used as a base to this day.
Beechcraft Baron
This light aircraft has two piston engines, was developed by Beech Aircraft Corporation and is currently manufactured by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation . It is a variation of the Bonanza and was marketed for the first time in 1961. Another similar model was the Twin Bonanza , although the similarities between the three do not go beyond certain aspects of the design .
Beechcraft Bonanza, with which the Baron shares design elements
The predecessor of this light aircraft was the Beechcraft 95 Travel Air , whose fuselage was the same as that of the Bonanza . For the creation of the Baron , they replaced the tail of the Travel Air with that of the Debonair and designed custom engines. Just like the aforementioned Cessna , the Baron has been one of the most manufactured light aircraft in history.
Regarding its price, in 2008 it was around one million dollars. In fact, its maintenance is also very expensive, so great purchasing power is necessary to buy and operate an aircraft of this category. The three fundamental models of the Baron are the following: 55, 56 and 58; The first two have short fuselage , and the last, long fuselage.