It appears the most popular playing in general aviation in the history of mankind is the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Over 35,000 have been sold and you can find these aircraft in airports around the world. Cessna aircraft Corporation has a proud history in general aviation and has become the largest general aviation aircraft manufacture in history.
Why has the Cessna 172 sold so many? Well, because generally people learn how to fly in a Cessna 150 and then they wish to take their family or friends and the Cessna 172 is a logical progression, as it holds for people and is not very expensive or complex to fly. The Cessna 172 also gets very good fuel economy and although it does not hold very much it is quite a bit cheaper than the next upgraded model the Cessna 182.
You can ask any general aviation Private pilot if they have flown a Cessna 172 and there is a 90% chance that the answer will be yes because so many flight schools have them for rent along with many flying clubs. Many private pilots who end up buying their own aircraft she was a Cessna 172 because of its simplicity and availability. It is doubtful that any other aircraft will ever surpass the Cessna 172 as the most popular aircraft in general aviation of all times.
If you are considering buying an aircraft of your own a Cessna 172 will surely be on your list and although it may not end up your first choice the availability of used aircraft for sale makes the Cessna 172 Skyhawk a possible option. Please consider all this in 2006.