On a hot afternoon at a high-elevation airport, a standard 172 with a full cabin can feel sluggish, and that’s one reason owners invest in 180 hp conversions. More power helps, and the airplane’s paperwork changes with it.
A 172 M with a 180 hp engine and a fixed-pitch prop keeps the familiar single power lever, but it operates under a supplemental type certificate with its own flight manual supplement. That supplement, not the stock 172 M checklist, governs the parts of the operation it changes.
CheckMate lists a checklist for the 172 M in this 180 hp fixed-pitch configuration. Read it against your airplane’s supplement and the logbook entries for the conversion.
Quick answer: CheckMate Cessna 172 M 180HP Fixed Pitch Prop Checklist is a model-specific cockpit checklist for pilots who fly the Cessna 172 M with 180 hp and a fixed-pitch prop. It suits owners and renters of a 172 M with a 180 hp, fixed-pitch conversion. 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.
Formats and sizes
- 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.
Getting it ready for the cockpit
- 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.
- Read the conversion supplement. Compare the checklist with your conversion’s flight manual supplement, paying attention to engine limits and performance information.
- 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 hot days, work out density altitude and takeoff performance before you load the airplane, not after. Extra horsepower helps, but your numbers still come from the performance data for your airplane.
More photos
Where to buy
CheckMate Cessna 172 M 180HP Fixed Pitch Prop 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
Is this the same as the regular 172 M checklist?
No. CheckMate lists a separate checklist for the stock 172 M. This one is titled for a 172 M with a 180 hp engine and a fixed-pitch prop.
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.
