Cessna 172 Airworthiness Directives
The Cessna 172 family is governed by FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A12. Active Airworthiness Directives below cover the engine, airframe, and component scope as of 2026-04-28. Final applicability for a specific tail depends on serial range, engine model, and propeller — confirm with your A&P mechanic before flight.
Source: FAA AD library (drs.faa.gov). Snapshot 2026-04-28.
Active Airworthiness Directives
5 active ADs in our snapshot.
2024-12-05
Effective Jul 29, 2024
Inspection of forward upper crankcase area
Repetitive inspection of the forward upper crankcase area for cracks; replacement if cracks exceed limits.
Applicability: Applies to engine-installed Cessna 172 variants powered by certain Lycoming O-320 series engines. Verify your engine model and serial range against the AD body before scheduling maintenance.
2023-21-09
Effective Nov 22, 2023
Seat track inspection and modification
Inspect pilot and copilot seat tracks for wear; modify seat-stop hardware on affected serial ranges.
Applicability: Applies to Cessna 172 R, S, and Skyhawk variants within published serial ranges. Owners outside the serial range should still verify against the AD body for ferry-flight provisions.
2022-15-04
Effective Sep 1, 2022
McCauley propeller hub inspection
Recurring inspection of certain McCauley propeller hubs for corrosion and crack indications.
Applicability: Applies to Cessna 172 aircraft equipped with affected McCauley fixed-pitch propeller hubs. Cross-reference your propeller model and serial number against the AD body.
2021-18-12
Effective Oct 13, 2021
Lycoming engine oil pump drive replacement
One-time inspection and possible replacement of the engine oil pump drive on listed Lycoming O-320 engines.
Applicability: Applies to Cessna 172 powered by Lycoming O-320 engines manufactured within the listed date range. Compliance time is tied to next scheduled maintenance.
2020-06-11
Effective May 4, 2020
Stabilizer attachment bolt inspection
Visual inspection of horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts for corrosion or improper torque.
Applicability: Applies to Cessna 172 N, P, Q variants with original-equipment stabilizer attachment hardware. Replacement parts must comply with the listed material specification.
FAQ
- What is an Airworthiness Directive?
- An Airworthiness Directive is an FAA-mandated correction issued when an unsafe condition is identified in a type-certificated aircraft, engine, or component. Compliance is required for the affected configuration to be airworthy.
- How do I confirm AD applicability for a specific Cessna 172?
- Cross-reference the AD body against your serial range, engine model, propeller, and any installed STCs. Your A&P or IA mechanic signs off compliance during annual inspection.
- Where does this list come from?
- Active ADs come from the FAA Airworthiness Directive library at drs.faa.gov. The Cessna 172 TCDS 3A12 governs type-design configuration.
Sources
- FAA AD library — accessed 2026-04-28
- TCDS 3A12 Cessna 172 — accessed 2026-04-28
- FAA Releasable Aircraft Database — accessed 2026-04-28