Papa Lima,

Rod Simpson’s “Airlife’s General Aviation” states that the first flight occured on June 12, 1955. Production was initiated in November 1955, with a total of 173 (yes indeed) Cessna 172s being produced that year. I’ve received information on the date from Cessna as well, and they confirm June 12 as being the correct date.

BTW, I’m currently compiling a book on the military Cessna T-41/172s, from Angola to Vietnam, together with US authors Walt Shiel and Mike Little. The book will be published on March 2, 2006 by Slipdown Mountain Publications LLC.

Everything on the ‘172 in military service is of interest!

Regards,

Jan