AOPA Online Members Only - 50th Anniversary of the Cessna 172 - Photo 1996: April 16 saw the first flight of the new Skyhawk. A May 1996 In Flight USA article announced the new 172's first flight at Cessna's East Pawnee Field.
1996: April 16 saw the first flight of the new Skyhawk. A May 1996 In Flight USA article announced the new 172's first flight at Cessna's East Pawnee Field. Production test pilot Lionel Diamond, who stayed aloft for 25 minutes, piloted the airplane.