This 1979 Cessna 172K Floatplane Is an Adventure-Seeking ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

A Cessna 172 on floats is less intimidating than other amphibs because so many pilots learned to fly in them.

A Cessna 172 amphib is a ticket to adventure. [Courtesy: Jaimie Hildenbrandt]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The article showcases a 1979 Cessna R172K Skyhawk as "Today's Top Pick," notable for being a convertible floatplane.
  • This aircraft appeals to pilots seeking adventure and a more accessible option for seaplane flying compared to larger models.
  • It features an upgraded 200 hp Continental IO-360 engine, standard landing gear for land/water conversion, and modern avionics including Garmin GPS/nav/com and ADS-B transponder.
  • Available for $250,000, it is recommended for pilots interested in obtaining a seaplane rating, building water time, or expanding their floatplane fleet.
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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1979 Cessna R172K Skyhawk.

When pilots talk about using aircraft to pursue adventures, floatplanes often find their way into the conversation. A desire to explore remote airports—and perhaps the occasional grass strip—tends to expand to include landing modified STOL airplanes on hillsides, gravel bars, and beaches. But why land on the shore if you can land in the water?

The Cessna for sale here appeals to me because I learned to fly in 172s and do not often see them on floats and subsequently on the market. While a fully kitted-out de Havilland Beaver is the stuff of flying fantasies, a 172 is a more reasonable goal for many of us. I can think of a few shores where I would love to beach this one. 

This Cessna 172K has 2,953 hours on the airframe and 1,342 hours since overhaul on its Continental IO-360 engine, which, rated at 200 hp, is a significant upgrade over engines in stock 172s. The aircraft comes with standard landing gear, so it can be converted between land and water use. Its useful load is 600 pounds with floats and 930 pounds with landing gear.

The panel includes a Garmin 430 GPS/nav/com, Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B transponder, Garmin Aera portable GPS, Horizon Aircraft digital tachometer, JPI 450 fuel flow meter, and JPI EDM 700 engine monitor.

Pilots who want to train for a seaplane rating and build time on the water, or those already rated who wish to add a floatplane to their fleet, should take a look at this 1979 Cessna 172K, which is available for $250,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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