Sightseeing Flight Experience with Cessna 172 Skyhawk

About This Aircraft

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk holds the title of the most-produced aircraft in history, with over 44,000 built since 1956, and it's the standard training aircraft at flight schools worldwide. Its high-wing design keeps the wing above the cabin, so it doesn't block your downward view — giving you a clear look at the city during the sightseeing flight.

Source: Wikipedia — Cessna 172 Skyhawk

The Flight Experience

The flight typically heads over the Bosphorus toward Istanbul's historic peninsula after takeoff, giving you the chance to view landmarks like Sultanahmet, Topkapı Palace and Galata Tower from the air. You can choose between a short 15-minute tour or a more extensive 60-minute route, with your pilot narrating what you're seeing along the way.

Who Is This For?

Thanks to its stable and predictable flight characteristics, the Cessna 172 is especially suitable for first-time flyers, families and anyone wanting to take photos — its high-wing design doesn't obstruct the downward view for photos or video.

Technical Specifications

Certified capacity: 4 people (including pilot)
Max takeoff weight: ~1157 kg
Useful load: ~416 kg
Cruise speed: ~226 km/h
Range: ~1185 km
Engine: 180 hp Lycoming IO-360-L2A piston engine

This same aircraft type is also used in our Air Taxi service.

Aircraft photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA).

How many people can fly on the Cessna 172 sightseeing flight?

The aircraft is certified for 4 people including the pilot; the sightseeing experience is typically flown with 1-3 passengers plus the pilot.

Is the Cessna 172 also used for air taxi flights?

Yes, this aircraft is used both in our sightseeing flight experience and in our air taxi service.

What route does the Cessna 172 sightseeing flight follow?

The flight typically covers the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historic peninsula; the route can be extended depending on the duration you choose.

Is the Cessna 172 suitable for first-time flyers?

Yes, its stable flight characteristics and high-wing design make it a comfortable choice for first-time flyers.

Can I take photos on the Cessna 172 flight?

Yes, its high-wing design doesn't obstruct the downward view, making it well suited for photos and video.