The Cessna 175 Skylark is a four-seat single from the late 1950s–early 1960s, similar to a 172 but with a geared engine for more power. It's an affordable classic with a specific engine story to understand.
Key takeaways
- Affordable classic: 172-like capability at a low price.
- Geared GO-300 engine: understand its operation and history.
- Many have engine conversions — document them.
About the Cessna 175 Skylark
The 175 used a geared Continental GO-300 that gave more power but required careful operation; many surviving 175s have been converted to standard engines. Buy with attention to the engine type and history, and a thorough pre-buy, as with any older airframe.
| Specification | Cessna 175 Skylark |
|---|---|
| Type | Four-seat single |
| Engine | Continental GO-300 (geared) or conversion |
| Cruise | ~120 knots |
Typical used price (2026): ~$30,000–$70,000. Condition, avionics, and engine time drive value within that range.
Is the Cessna 175 Skylark Right for You?
The Cessna 175 Skylark fits owners who want a practical four-seat airplane for personal travel, family trips, and building experience. It balances capability, comfort, and cost, and is a common step for pilots moving up from a trainer. Match it to your typical mission and how many seats you'll really use.
Ownership & Operating Costs
- Fuel: moderate for a four-seat single.
- Insurance: reasonable; rises with performance and low time-in-type.
- Maintenance: budget the annual and unscheduled items; parts support varies by type.
- Engine reserve: set aside per flight hour toward overhaul.
For a full framework across models, see our aircraft ownership cost guide.
What to Check When Buying
Focus the pre-buy on engine time since overhaul (with compression and borescope checks), avionics, damage history, and complete logbooks; older airframes warrant a corrosion inspection. A type-experienced shop is worth seeking out.
Financing a Cessna 175 Skylark
A Cessna 175 Skylark finances readily as a piston single — typically 15–20% down and terms up to 20 years for a well-qualified buyer, with engine time, avionics, and your credit driving the rate. Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a lender — we shop your loan across a national network of aviation lenders.
Prices, specifications, and financing figures are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cessna 175 Skylark a good family airplane?
It depends on how many seats and how much range you need. As a four-seat single it handles personal travel and family trips well; confirm the useful load fits your typical load.
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