could a cessna 172 cross the atlantic without stopping?
September 25, 2009
im writing something for english and i want to know if a cessna 172 could possibly cross the atlantic without removing any seats making room for spare gas tanks.
im not just talkin island hoping or being carried. im talkin goin from Washington DC to Britain in one jump.
As is? No.
The 172 holds 52 gallons of fuel (depending on the specific model.) 50 of which is usable.
At cruise, it will use, a minimum of 10 gallons per hour.
So, realistically, it will fly about 5 hours before it runs out of gas.
At 120kts, that would get you about 600 miles.
Which could be a little longer or shorter depending on the wind.
You could add axillary fuel tanks in the back (behind the rear seats).
But, due to weight and balance restrictions, you could probably only carry another 10-20 gallons.
