Measured by its longevity and popularity, the 172 is the most successful mass produced light aircraft in history. The 172 started life as a relatively simple tricycle landing gear upgrade from the 170, with a fairly basic level of standard equipment. The first flight of the prototype was in November 1955. The 172 became an overnight sales success and over 1400 were built in 1956, its first full year of production. The first production models were delivered in 1956 and they are still in production as of 2007; more than 40,000 have been built.
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