My 200th annual inspection changed how I feel about Cessna 172s

Hit my 200th annual on a 172 last Tuesday (a 1978 model, faded blue, hangared in Bakersfield). Everyone always says these things are boring tanks, easy money, nothing special. But that one had a cracked engine mount that was hidden under 40 years of grime and bad paperwork. Took me 3 extra hours to find it with a borescope. Now I don't trust the 'they're all the same' crowd anymore. Has anyone else found something wild on a plane everyone said was bulletproof?

2 comments

2 Comments

richard_ramirez7d ago

200th annual on a Cessna. You meant 20th.

jennifer_west6d agoTop Commenter

34 hours of my life and I'm just now seeing this, but you're totally right @richard_ramirez. I used to think a 200th annual sounded crazy too, but then I realized that old Cessnas can rack up inspections fast if they're flown every week. Honestly, your correction made me double check my own logbook, and I've got a 150 that's barely at its 15th annual. So yeah, I was wrong, and I appreciate you calling it out.