The first Cessna 172s left the factory in the 1950s with a straight vertical tail, the start of what became the most-produced airplane in history. Owners of these early airplanes tend to know their history well, and most will tell you that keeping one flying means minding its paperwork as much as its paint.
Airplanes from this era often came with an owner’s manual rather than the standardized Pilot’s Operating Handbook format of later airplanes, and decades of radios, engines and modifications may have been added since. That makes a clear, model-specific checklist especially useful, as long as it’s checked against the documents in the airplane.
CheckMate’s checklist for the 172 and 172 A covers the ’56 to ’60 models named in its title, in formats from the legacy CheckMate layout to the personalized Pro edition.
Quick answer: CheckMate Cessna 172 / 172 A (’56-’60) Checklist is a model-specific cockpit checklist for pilots who fly the Cessna 172 and 172 A (’56-’60). It suits owners and pilots of 1956 to 1960 Cessna 172 and 172 A airplanes. It’s offered as the original CheckMate, CheckMate+ and the personalized CheckMate Pro, with the CheckMate versions in Standard and Compact sizes. It supplements, not replaces, the airplane’s POH/AFM, so confirm it matches your aircraft’s exact model, year, engine and handbook before relying on it. It’s available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
Choosing a format
- CheckMate. The design that started it all, with the familiar legacy look, in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate+. Updated design language for better readability and safety, with passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It includes an instant low-res, black-and-white temporary digital download, and comes in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate Pro. A personalized version of CheckMate+. Add your tail number, name or phone number, your empty weight and useful load, and details for up to five airports you visit often. Typical production time is within 48 hours; Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
Setting it up for your airplane
- Check it against the handbook first. Before your first flight with it, go item by item against the POH/AFM. The checklist supplements the handbook; it doesn’t replace it.
- Account for later changes. Model, year and engine are the starting point; equipment added later comes with its own supplements, so check those too.
- Gather the airplane’s documents. Collect the owner’s manual, any flight manual supplements and the current weight and balance, and check the checklist against them.
- Keep it within reach. Clip it to a kneeboard or keep it in a side pocket you can reach with your belts fastened.
Pilot tip: On an older airplane, read every placard during your preflight study. Placarded limitations are part of the airplane’s operating limitations, and they sometimes differ from what a pilot used to newer airplanes expects.
More photos
Where to buy
CheckMate Cessna 172 / 172 A (’56-’60) Checklist is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Which years does this checklist cover?
The listing is titled for the 172 and 172 A from ’56 to ’60. Check your airplane’s model and year on its registration and data plate.
Can I fly with this instead of the POH?
No. Keep the POH/AFM and required documents in the airplane as usual. The checklist is a cockpit companion that supplements the handbook; check it against your aircraft’s model, year, engine and POH before use.
What does CheckMate+ add over the original?
Updated design language for readability and safety, plus passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It also includes an instant low-res, black-and-white temporary digital download.
