The High-Performance Skyhawk. The Workhorse of Axiom Aviation

For well over 100 years, pilots around the world have logged countless hours of flight training in thousands of different airplane models. While many trainer aircraft have come and gone, one airplane has been at the forefront of flight training since the 1950s. That being the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Over the nearly 70 years the aircraft has been in service, several models and variations have been constructed as Cessna has continuously pushed to improve its product. One of these models, introduced in the 1970s, was the R172K Hawk XP. Axiom Aviation's fleet of nearly a dozen aircraft consists primarily of this model. 

Why this Cessna? 

Flight schools nationwide utilize a variety of Cessna 172 models, with many employing newer variants. Axiom Aviation, on the other hand, has chosen to operate a fleet of R172K Hawk XPs. So why choose to operate a fleet that consists almost entirely of a single 172 model that spent less than a decade in development roughly 50 years ago? 

The High-Performance Engine

The R172K Hawk XP utilizes a Continental IO-360 engine that outputs 195hp. Under a certain Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), these aircraft can be modified to output 210hp. This added performance offers a sizable increase in performance over the more common 172 engines that produce 180hp. The added horsepower means that pilots need a high-performance endorsement, which all Axiom Aviation students receive. This endorsement permits a pilot to fly aircraft with engines exceeding 200hp. 

While earning an additional endorsement is certainly a nice perk of operating a fleet of R172K XPs, it is only one of the reasons Axiom Aviation uses it as its primary trainer. 

Added Performance

With a stronger engine, the R172K Hawk XP received a notable boost in performance greatly expanding and enhancing its capabilities. Situated at high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains, Axiom Aviation’s locations are best served by an aircraft with performance that exceeds the typical trainer airplane. With the high-performance capabilities of the R172K Hawk XP, Axiom pilots can fly in less optimal conditions than those at surrounding flight schools. 

One of the best examples of this is seen during the summer months when temperatures reach record highs. Even during days with obscenely high-density altitudes, the R172K Hawk XP performs admirably, being able to safely take off and land with density altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet. This added performance not only helps Axiom’s students fly more often, but it greatly expands their horizons by offering access to every airport in the Rocky Mountains. Due to the high terrain of the region, it is quite common for students and instructors of Axiom to cruise at altitudes exceeding 12,000 feet MSL. Altitudes that are beyond the reach of many trainer aircraft. Sadly, many students at neighboring schools in the area are limited to a mere handful of airports for cross-country flights as their aircraft lack the capabilities to reach a suitable altitude to safely clear the vast mountain ranges of the region. 

A More Complicated Aircraft

While the R172K Hawk XP's added power increases performance, it also decreases the pilot's reaction time, forcing them to exert more physical and mental effort to stay ahead of the plane. The model also incorporates a constant-speed propeller system, something that has traditionally been left out of trainer aircraft. The constant speed system only adds another layer of performance and complexity to the airplane increasing the pilot's workload. Some schools may try to steer clear of an aircraft that increases pilot workload. Here at Axiom, we welcome the challenge, as we know it teaches us better skills and helps us become more proficient pilots. 

Interested in flying with Axiom Aviation? Give us a call at (262)297-4568. Or email us at info@flyaxiom.com