After 70 Years On the Market, There’s Still a Little Room for Improvement

Cessna’s long-running Skyhawk now features a solid-state dual electronic ignition system in all new production aircraft, reducing maintenance costs, improving efficiency, and adding another touch of polish for the type’s 70th anniversary.

A dual Lycoming electronic ignition system is now standard on all new Cessna Skyhawk aircraft regardless of trim. It replaces the older dual magneto ignition system, reducing the number of moving parts and simplifying electrics for longer maintenance intervals, more even fuel burn, and even a touch of increased performance. It’s good news for operators willing to fork out the cash for a brand-new C-172S in 2025, and maybe even those who plan to buy a used Skyhawk in the 2050, too. The change is relatively modest, all things considered, but after seventy years on the market there’s only so much room to improve. The Skyhawk is almost everyone’s first aircraft, and even older marks continue to dominate flight school ramps across the country despite Piper’s best efforts. This adds just a little more cost savings and reliability, relegating old-school systems to older aircraft, and removing another pain point of modern aircraft operation.

“The incorporation of the dual electronic ignition system demonstrates Textron Aviation’s continued commitment to our piston aircraft, including the legendary Cessna Skyhawk, by easing operations for customers” said Chris Crow, Vice President of Piston & Utility Sales. “With 70 years of proven performance, the aircraft continues to play a vital role in supporting pilots across the globe.”

FMI: www.txtav.com