This 1976 Cessna 172M Skyhawk Is a Proven ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Horsepower upgrade, WAAS-equipped avionics, and continuous maintenance history highlight single-engine platform.

FLYING Staff

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1976 Cessna 172M Skyhawk [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

A 1976 Cessna 172M Skyhawk is featured as Aircraft For Sale's "Today's Top Pick" for its unique qualities and enhancements.
The aircraft boasts a meticulously maintained airframe, a 2008 repaint, a refreshed interior, and aerodynamic improvements.
Key upgrades include a 160 hp STC engine conversion with a Power Flow exhaust, and a modernized, IFR-capable panel with a WAAS-equipped Garmin GNS 430W and S-Tec System 30 autopilot.
This upgraded model, available for $139,900, offers enhanced performance over a stock airframe for cross-country flying and time-building.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1976 Cessna 172M Skyhawk.

Making a sharp impression on the ramp, this 1976 airframe has accumulated 4,045 total hours and boasts a meticulous, continuous maintenance history. The exterior was completely stripped and repainted in a white scheme with red-and-charcoal trim in 2008, while aerodynamic improvements like Knots 2U flap gap seals and RMD wing tips with integrated lighting enhance both safety and efficiency.

Stepping into the cabin, pilots and passengers will find a thoughtfully refreshed environment designed for long flights. The interior has been reupholstered, complete with updated carpeting and practical additions such as Rosen sun visors and an Aero-Trim aileron trim system to reduce pilot workload in the air.

Powering this classic is a reliable Lycoming O-320-E2D engine that benefits from a 160 hp STC conversion, generating noticeable performance gains over the factory standard. Showing 1,391 hours since a certified Millennium major overhaul, the powerplant breathes through a Power Flow tuned exhaust and turns a repitched 60-inch McCauley propeller.

Navigating the skies is simplified by an IFR-capable panel anchored by a WAAS-equipped Garmin GNS 430W navigator. The modernized avionics suite also incorporates a Garmin GTX 330 Mode S transponder, JPI engine analyzer with fuel flow, and S-Tec System 30 autopilot complete with altitude hold for cross-country ease.

Recognized globally as the ultimate flight training platform and a remarkably accessible personal aircraft, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk offers unmatched reliability. This particular M-model holds strong appeal for pilots seeking enhanced performance over a stock airframe, bridging the gap between an economical cross-country cruiser and steadfast time-builder.

Available for $139,900, this upgraded Cessna 172M is based in La Grande, Oregon, and benefits from a recent annual inspection and strong maintenance pedigree, it stands ready to serve its next owner.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.