Download free Cessna 172 liveries for MSFS 2020, check G1000 and Classic compatibility, and fix Community folder installation problems.
You can download free Cessna 172 liveries for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 from Fly Away Simulation's MSFS library. A useful starting point is our Aerobell Flight School pack, which covers the default Cessna 172SP G1000 and Classic variants. Confirm the aircraft variant, extract the package, and install it in the PC Community folder.
Where can I get a free Cessna 172 repaint?
Our free Aerobell repaint package for both default C172 variants provides separate coverage for the glass-cockpit G1000 and Classic aircraft. This matters because MSFS treats them as distinct aircraft rather than one model with interchangeable cockpit options.
For other colour schemes, use our guide to finding and checking free MSFS liveries. Always read the compatibility description before downloading; a file labelled only for a third-party C172 add-on will not necessarily work with either default Skyhawk.
Which Cessna 172 version does the livery fit?
The aircraft name in the livery description must match the Cessna 172 package installed in your simulator.
| Aircraft target | What to check |
|---|---|
| Default C172 G1000 | The description should explicitly mention the G1000 or default glass-cockpit Skyhawk. |
| C172 Classic | Look for Classic or steam-gauge compatibility. This aircraft must also be included in your installed MSFS 2020 edition. |
| Third-party C172 | Use only liveries naming that exact add-on and model variant. |
A repaint may install without an error yet remain invisible when it targets another variant. This model mismatch is one of the most common causes of a missing C172 livery.
How do I install Cessna 172 liveries in MSFS 2020?
- Download and extract the archive. Do not place the compressed ZIP file directly in the Community folder.
- Find the actual package folder. Its top level will normally contain files such as
manifest.jsonandlayout.json. - Copy that package into Community. If the archive contains separate G1000 and Classic packages, install the one you need or both.
- Restart Microsoft Flight Simulator. Select the matching Cessna 172 in Aircraft Selection, then choose the repaint from its liveries or colour schemes.
The active Community folder location varies with the PC installation method and any custom packages path. Our complete MSFS livery installation instructions explain how to locate it without guessing.
Why is my Cessna 172 livery not appearing?
A missing repaint usually comes down to its folder structure, aircraft compatibility or the wrong Community folder.
- Nested package folder: If
manifest.jsonsits inside an extra wrapper directory, move the actual package folder into Community. - Wrong C172 variant: Check whether the download was made for G1000, Classic or a separate third-party aircraft.
- Incorrect Community location: Multiple MSFS installations or a changed packages path can leave an old Community folder that the simulator no longer reads.
- Duplicate versions: Remove older copies of the same repaint rather than keeping renamed duplicates.
- Simulator still running: Close and restart MSFS after adding or removing packages.
- Looking for a new aircraft: A repaint normally appears beneath the existing Cessna 172 as a livery, not as another aircraft entry.
Can Xbox players install downloaded C172 liveries?
No. Manually downloaded livery archives and Community folder packages are for the PC version of MSFS 2020. Xbox users cannot copy these files into the simulator and must use compatible content distributed through the in-simulator Marketplace.