Cessna 172S
Skyhawk Nav III Specialists
Paragon Flight operated Cessna 172S fleets from 2006 to 2022. Sixteen years of hands-on experience with the IO-360-L2A engine, Garmin G1000, KAP 140, and GFC 700 — on the exact variant most flight schools fly today.
16 Years
Operating Cessna 172S Fleets (2006–2022)
Paragon Flight operated Cessna 172S aircraft as primary trainers for 16 consecutive years. Every aircraft in our fleet ran the Lycoming IO-360-L2A and Garmin G1000 glass cockpit.
Thousands
Of Annual & 100-Hour Inspections Completed
Annual and 100-hour inspections on the 172S / Skyhawk Nav III. We have seen every common issue on this specific variant and know exactly where to look.
IO-360-L2A
Lycoming Engine Expertise
The fuel-injected Lycoming IO-360-L2A is the only engine we serviced in our 172 fleet. Compression checks, fuel injection service, mag timing — we have done it thousands of times.
In Stock
Common 172S Parts On-Hand
We stock tires, brakes, oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, and other high-wear items specific to the 172S — enabling same-day turnaround on routine services.
We Didn't Just Service the 172S.
We Operated It.
From 2006 to 2022, every aircraft in Paragon Flight's training fleet was a Cessna 172S — the fuel-injected, glass-cockpit Nav III variant. Our mechanics maintained these aircraft through thousands of flight cycles, across every season and condition Southwest Florida could produce.
That means deep, specific familiarity with the Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine, the Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck, the KAP 140 autopilot, and the GFC 700 — not occasional exposure, but years of daily hands-on work on this exact airframe and avionics suite.
2006–2022
Cessna 172S Fleet Operations
Glass Cockpit Experience
Every aircraft in our 172S fleet was equipped with the G1000. We know these systems from years of daily operations, not from a manual.
Garmin G1000
The G1000 integrated flight deck is standard on the 172S Nav III. Our mechanics are experienced with G1000 maintenance, software updates, and troubleshooting intermittent display and sensor issues common in high-cycle training aircraft.
KAP 140 Autopilot
The Bendix/King KAP 140 two-axis autopilot is factory-installed on many 172S aircraft. We are experienced with KAP 140 maintenance, servo inspection, and troubleshooting engagement and tracking issues.
GFC 700 Autopilot
The Garmin GFC 700 digital autopilot is available on later 172S Nav III aircraft. We are familiar with GFC 700 maintenance requirements, servo inspection intervals, and common fault codes.
Cessna 172S — 2005 and Later
Our expertise is specifically with the 172S variant introduced in 1998 and produced continuously since. This is the fuel-injected, glass-cockpit Skyhawk that dominates modern flight training fleets. We do not specialize in earlier Continental-powered or carbureted 172 models.
| Variant | Cessna 172S (Skyhawk Nav III) |
| Years in our fleet | 2006–2022 |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-360-L2A (180 HP) |
| Fuel system | Fuel injected |
| Primary avionics | Garmin G1000 |
| Autopilot options | KAP 140 / GFC 700 |
Common 172S Squawks We Know Well
Lycoming IO-360-L2A Fuel Injection
Fuel injector nozzle clogging and fuel flow imbalance are common in high-cycle 172S aircraft. We clean and flow-test injectors as part of thorough annual inspections.
Magneto Timing & Inspection
Slick and Bendix magnetos require regular inspection and timing checks. We perform this work on every annual and 100-hour inspection.
Nose Gear Shimmy
Shimmy damper wear is common on high-cycle 172s. We stock shimmy dampers and can resolve this quickly, often same-day.
G1000 Intermittent Faults
Intermittent G1000 display warnings and sensor faults are common in aging Nav III aircraft. We diagnose and resolve these efficiently to minimize AOG time.
Brake System Wear
High-cycle training aircraft wear brakes faster than privately owned aircraft. We stock Cleveland brake pads and discs for same-day service.
Fuel Selector Valve
Stiff or leaking fuel selector valves are a frequent squawk on the 172S. We service and replace these with parts on-hand.
Cessna 172S Maintenance FAQ
Which Cessna 172 variants do you specialize in?
We specialize in the Cessna 172S (Skyhawk Nav III), the current production variant introduced in 1998 and powered by the Lycoming IO-360-L2A fuel-injected engine with the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. Our 16-year fleet operation from 2006 to 2022 consisted entirely of this variant. We do not specialize in earlier Continental-powered 172 models.
What avionics systems are you experienced with on the 172S?
We are experienced with the Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck, the Bendix/King KAP 140 two-axis autopilot, and the Garmin GFC 700 digital autopilot — all of which are factory-installed or available on the 172S Nav III.
Do you service Cessna 172S aircraft for flight schools?
Yes. The 172S is the most common training aircraft in the world, and we have extensive experience maintaining it in high-cycle training operations. We understand 100-hour inspection requirements and the urgency of AOG situations in a training environment.
How long did Paragon Flight operate Cessna 172S aircraft?
Paragon Flight operated a fleet of Cessna 172S aircraft as primary training aircraft from 2006 to 2022 — 16 consecutive years. During that time, our mechanics performed thousands of annual and 100-hour inspections on this specific variant.
Do you stock Cessna 172S parts?
Yes. We stock high-wear parts including tires, brakes, oil filters, air filters, and spark plugs specific to the 172S and its Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. This allows us to turn routine services same-day without waiting for parts to arrive.
Where are you located?
We operate at Page Field (KFMY) in Fort Myers, FL; Punta Gorda Airport (KPGD) in Punta Gorda, FL; and LaGrange Callaway Airport (KLGC) in LaGrange, GA.
Service Locations
Cessna 172S maintenance available at all three Paragon Flight facilities.
KFMY
Page Field — Fort Myers, FL
511 Danley Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Mon–Sun: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Open 7 Days a Week
(239) 274-3170KPGD
Punta Gorda Airport — Punta Gorda, FL
8260 Skylane Way, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–Sun: Closed
(239) 274-3170KLGC
LaGrange Callaway Airport — LaGrange, GA
525 Aerotron Parkway, LaGrange, GA 30241
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–Sun: Closed
(239) 274-3170