could a cessna 172 cross the atlantic without stopping?
September 25, 2009
im writing something for english and i want to know if a cessna 172 could possibly cross the atlantic without removing any seats making room for spare gas tanks.
im not just talkin island hoping or being carried. im talkin goin from Washington DC to Britain in one jump.
As is? No.
The 172 holds 52 gallons of fuel (depending on the specific model.) 50 of which is usable.
At cruise, it will use, a minimum of 10 gallons per hour.
So, realistically, it will fly about 5 hours before it runs out of gas.
At 120kts, that would get you about 600 miles.
Which could be a little longer or shorter depending on the wind.
You could add axillary fuel tanks in the back (behind the rear seats).
But, due to weight and balance restrictions, you could probably only carry another 10-20 gallons.
Comments
10 Responses to “could a cessna 172 cross the atlantic without stopping?”
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Not even close.. Cessna’s and other small single engines have made the crossings, but those that aren’t modified do not do it in a single shot, that wouldn’t be very safe.
Fatigue and full bladders are another consideration
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airline pilot
No it would run out of fuel. Plus it would take forever with a top speed of 120 knots
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It has about the same chance that a moped has to make it from Miami to Jacksonville, Florida on a full tank.
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Of course it could! If it was packed away on a container ship or on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
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Only if you had a grapple to snag a jet passenger plane with. Bring oxygen and long-johns with you when you try it though.
Oh; and hang on tight – it might get a bit bumpy in that jet wash.
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no way a cessna 172 can fly for 3000 miles in one hop, unless you can pack a bunch of fuel in the airplane. and since the cessna cruises at about 120kts, you are in for a long flight assuming it could carry enough fuel for the flight.
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No it can’t.
Unless the whole airplane becomes a big fuel tank itself.
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Commercial Pilot
Well a Cessna 172 holds the world record for the longest continuous flight. It was about 57 days. The aircraft was refuelled by passing up cans of fuel from a moving flatbed truck. So, if you position fast boats at the right places it could be done, at least in theory.
Very dangerous but not actually impossible.
Ian M
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No. With extra fuel tanks, it could, but not with just the standard tanks.
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As is? No.
The 172 holds 52 gallons of fuel (depending on the specific model.) 50 of which is usable.
At cruise, it will use, a minimum of 10 gallons per hour.
So, realistically, it will fly about 5 hours before it runs out of gas.
At 120kts, that would get you about 600 miles.
Which could be a little longer or shorter depending on the wind.
You could add axillary fuel tanks in the back (behind the rear seats).
But, due to weight and balance restrictions, you could probably only carry another 10-20 gallons.
References :
Pilot