Cessna 172 Illustrated Parts Catalog, 1975–1986 (P/N P696-12)

Cessna Aircraft Company’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (P/N P696-12), dated August 1, 1996, covers the 1975–1986 fixed-gear Cessna 172 and Reims/Cessna F172 series. This edition supersedes the 172-series catalogs dated July 1, 1974 through December 15, 1985 and incorporates Temporary Revisions 1 and 2, dated December 10, 1993 and February 17, 1995.

PDF Format and Index Navigation

Finding parts in the PDF: Use the printed alphabetical index to find a figure by component name and the numerical index to find figures by part number. The PDF lacks text search and embedded bookmarks.

The download is one printable English-language PDF with 662 pages, including the original cover, the List of Effective Pages, and 47 blank pages.

Exploded Views for Airframe and Systems

These selected catalog entries show how assemblies are broken down. Other listings include sun visors and exterior identification placards.

• Wings and tail: Complete wing assemblies, spars, skins, stringers, struts, and flaps, with separate breakdowns for standard and long-range fuel tanks and integral fuel-cell structure. Tail figures cover the stabilizer, elevator, fin, and rudder.

• Fuselage and cabin: Firewall, forward and center fuselage, doorposts, landing-gear bulkhead, tailcone, doors, latches, windshield, seats, restraints, upholstery, insulation, soundproofing, and instrument panels.

• Landing gear and brakes: Nose gear shock struts, shimmy dampers, main gear installations, Cleveland and McCauley wheel and brake assemblies, master cylinders, and brake pedals.

• Flight controls: Control wheels, rudder pedals, and separate aileron, elevator, trim, flap, and rudder control assemblies.

• Powerplant: Separate Lycoming engine installations with propeller, cowling, oil cooler, exhaust, baffle, and winterization parts, plus cabin heat, fuel, primer, and vacuum system listings.

• Electrical equipment: Battery boxes, contactors, alternator controls, external power, instrument lighting, landing and taxi lights, beacons, and courtesy lights. Separate listings cover floatplane and air-conditioning equipment.

The catalog is suited to owners, restorers, and maintenance personnel who can verify the aircraft model and serial number before ordering. The exploded views and parts lists help identify individual components and attaching hardware when planning a repair or preparing a parts order.

Matching Parts to the Aircraft

The model table cross-references the 172, Skyhawk, Skyhawk II, Cutlass, Cutlass II, and Reims/Cessna F172 names to their certified model designations. Later 172P and 172Q serial ranges overlap, so check both the model and serial number when selecting parts.

The 12-volt installation runs through 17269309 and F17201639. The 24-volt installation begins at 17269310 and F17201640, respectively. Figure-specific applicability also distinguishes openable-window doors and optional equipment.

Part Numbers, Alternates, and Trim Codes

Illustration callouts link to parts lists with Cessna part numbers, descriptions, quantities, attaching hardware, and usable-on codes. Each usable-on code applies only to its own figure. Check that figure for left- and right-hand parts, non-interchangeable assemblies, alternates, and replacements listed for use after earlier stock is exhausted.

The introductory key explains NP and AR entries, bulk material cut lengths, and Cessna S-, AN-, and NAS-standard hardware references. Paint charts, finish-and-trim plate codes, and upholstery ordering tables help match replacement parts to the aircraft’s finish. The McCauley brake listings identify rivet-set kit R561 and specify compatible wheel and brake combinations.

Parts Identification and Maintenance References

Model coverage is limited to the fixed-gear series listed above. The catalog provides parts identification and installation illustrations. Removal, adjustment, troubleshooting, overhaul, wiring schematics, torque values, and wear limits belong in the applicable maintenance documentation. A wing structure listing specifically directs repair and replacement work to the Cessna service manual.

The catalog refers unlisted internal engine parts to the Lycoming parts catalogs, supplier-equipment overhaul to the supplier publications, radio and autopilot equipment to separate avionics publications, and kit listings to the Accessory Kit and Service Kit Index. For STC-modified aircraft, the STC holder’s inspection instructions govern the affected areas because modifications can change interfaces and loads on adjacent structure.

Tire Size and Ply Rating Examples

The Cleveland nose wheel listing shows a 5.00 × 5, 4-ply-rated tire. For the main wheel and brake assembly in Figure 43, the listed tires share a 6.00 × 6 size. The figure specifies a 6-ply-rated tire for the 172Q and a 4-ply-rated tire for the other applicable 172 and F172 models.