Minicraft #11651 1/48 Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a four-seat, single-engine, high-wing airplane and probably the most popular flight training aircraft in the world. Up-dated Cessna 172’s are still in production with more than 43,000 total built to date. The Skyhawk delivers an excellent blend of characteristics including seating for 4 adults, a modest capacity for additional luggage or equipment, a cruising speed of 140 knots, plus economic operation and ease of maintenance and the airplane is easy to fly. The Cessna 172 is a common sight on most private airfields throughout the world and has been used by both civilian operators and armed forces for light transport, training and observation duties. This new kit represents the Cessna 172 in the service of the Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol operates 550 Cessna 172’s in 52.