[Updated: Now Released] Carenado Previews Vintage, “Straight Tail” Cessna 172

Update 18-Sept-2025: Carenado has now released their vintage Cessna 172 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for $14.99 US via the Marketplace.

Aircraft developer Carenado has taken to Facebook to show off previews of their upcoming early model Cessna 172 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Recognizable by its “fastback” fuselage, squared-off “straight tail”, and lack of a rear window, the early model years of the Cessna 172s drew heavily on the design of the Cessna 170 taildragger and were an instant hit with the burgeoning general aviation market of the late 1950s.

Marketed by Cessna as having “Land-O-Matic” tricycle landing gear and powered by a reliable, 145-horsepower, 6-cylinder Continental O-300 engine, early production 172s were said to make flying “almost as easy as driving”. Thanks to clever marketing combined with its docile handling characteristics, the Cessna 172 quickly gained a reputation as a staple for both business and personal aviation at the time. Today, early model 172s hold their value well and remain popular for recreational flying and flight training.

From the provided photos, Carenado’s straight-tail Cessna 172 (model letter designations began in 1960 with the Cessna 172A) appears to be based on a 1957 or 1958 version of the aircraft. Modern-era Skyhawk pilots will quickly notice the pull-knob starter, venturi-driven vacuum system, and manually operated, Johnson bar flaps, which can be extended up to 40 degrees; Features that appear to have been modeled by Carenado. The developer has also decided to give its straight tail 172 several upgrades, such as shoulder harnesses and modern avionics including a Garmin GNS 430 GPS, GMA 340 audio panel, GTX 330 transponder, and an S-TEC 55X autopilot – luxuries hardly imagined when the airplane rolled off the assembly line in the late 1950s.

Carenado’s 172 is now available via the MSFS 2024 Marketplace for $14.99 US. We also do not yet know if the aircraft will be exclusive to MSFS 2024 or if it will also be made available for MSFS 2020.

Features:

• 8 liveries + 1 white
• S-TEC 55x autopilot
• Garmin GPS GNS430
• Garmin GPS 650 compatibility (pms50 and tdssim.com)
• Garmin GI 107A VOR/LOC/GPS
• Garmin GMA 340 audio panel
• Garmin GTX 330 transponder
• Panel circuit breakers are operative
• Realistic HQ sounds
• Realistic flight dynamics
• App on EFB for navigation system selection (GNS/GTN)
• Carenado RealXperience features such as attitude indicator startup, shivering needles, and panel shaking, among others