Photograph:
Cessna 175A Skylark VH-RGF (c/n 56644) at Yarrawonga, VIC in January 1972 (David C Eyre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Four-seat light cabin monoplane
Power Plant:
One 131 kw (175 hp) Continental GO-300-C six-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.9 m (36 ft)
- Length: 8.07 m (26 ft 6 in)
- Height: 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 16.2 m² (174 sq ft)
- Max speed: 235 km/h (147 mph)
- Max cruising speed at 70% power at 3,050 m (10,000 ft): 225 km/h (140 mph)
- Economical cruising speed: 169 km/h (105 mph)
- Stalling speed: 82 km/h (51 mph)
- Initial rate of climb: 259 m/min (850 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 4,850 m (15,900 ft)
- Range at max cruising speed: 950 km (590 miles)
- Range at economical cruising speed with no reserve: 1,215 km (755 miles)
- Empty weight: 601 kg (1,325 lb)
- Loaded weight: 1,067 kg (2,350 lb)
History:
The Cessna 175 series was introduced to the Cessna range in 1958. The Skylark was a deluxe version of the basic Model 175, in a similar way to the Skyhawk being a deluxe development of the Model 172. Generally similar in appearance to the Model 172, and using that aircraft’s basic fuselage and wing, the Model 175 differed mainly by having a 131 kw (175 hp) Continental GO-300 series engine driving a McCauley two-blade fixed-pitch metal propeller.
The Cessna 175 was an intermediate model between the 108 kw (145 hp) Model 172 and the 172 kw (230 hp) Model 182, but it was not particularly successful on the market. The main external difference appeared in the modified cowling to take the larger geared engine. The Model 175 flew and handled like a Model 172 or Skyhawk, but many pilots were not used to a geared engine, which required 3,000 rpm for take-off, so, after being built for about five years, production ceased in 1962.
The Skylark variant was introduced in 1960 and differed in a number of features, including a full instrument panel, a free-blown windscreen, fibreglass wheel fairings, and re-designed instrument panel and internal fittings. Modifications on the Skylark led to an overall increase in performance, with the maximum cruising speed being slightly increased. The first Skylark model was fitted with the Continental GO-300-D engine, which differed from the GO-300-C by having an electric push-button starter and vacuum pump drive.
In 1962 the Model 175C was introduced, with re-designed wingtips, an optional fifth seat for children which could be fitted aft of the standard rear seats to accommodate one or two children of up to 54 kg (120 lb) combined weight.
In 1962 production of the Skylark was phased out after 2,122 had been completed. Production of the standard Model 175 also stopped at about this time.
Some 25 examples of the 175 series have been registered in Australia and one in New Zealand. At least one Skylark (VH-ZSB – c/n 56737) has been converted to tailwheel configuration.