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Cessna 172 Airworthiness Directives

The Cessna 172 family is governed by FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A12. The ADs that apply to a particular 172 come from four places — the airframe, its engine, its propeller and installed appliances — so search each in the FAA AD library (DRS), then check every AD's serial-number range against the aircraft and its logbooks. Your A&P or IA signs off compliance at the annual.

Source: FAA Dynamic Regulatory System (drs.faa.gov). Registry snapshot 2026-10-18.

Finding the ADs for your 172

We don't import the AD library, so this page lists no ADs — a partial list would read as complete. Search the FAA's own, current one instead:

  1. Airframe. In DRS, filter Airworthiness Directives by make “Textron Aviation” / “Cessna” and model 172 (plus the exact variant, e.g. 172N, 172S).
  2. Engine. Repeat for the installed engine (the data plate and logbook give the model, e.g. a Lycoming O-320 or IO-360 variant) — engine ADs are issued against the engine, not the airplane.
  3. Propeller. Repeat for the propeller make and model.
  4. Appliances and STCs. Check installed equipment (magnetos, vacuum pumps, ELT, avionics) and any STC modifications.
  5. Applicability. Read each AD's serial-number ranges and compare them with the AD compliance record in the logbooks, including recurring ones.

Open the FAA AD library (DRS)

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.
Why is there no AD list on this page?
We do not import the FAA AD library yet, and a partial list would read as complete. The authoritative, current list is a search away in FAA DRS (drs.faa.gov); the Cessna 172 TCDS 3A12 governs type-design configuration.

Airworthiness clocks

What keeps a registered aircraft legal to fly

Airworthiness Directives are the aircraft-specific half of compliance. The recurring calendar requirements below apply to the aircraft regardless of which ADs land on it.

Sources