FSX Siver/Blue Cessna 172SP

This freeware package adds a refined paint scheme to the default Cessna 172SP included with Microsoft Flight Simulator X. The exterior showcases a tasteful metallic texture combined with a subdued blue finish, offering a modern look for this time-honored single-engine trainer. Created by the talented designer, Chris Tuinstra, these textures require no additional purchases or extensions, beyond the standard C172 files included in FSX. The revised paintwork is entirely fictional and intended to provide a fresh visual experience for both student pilots and veterans alike.

Visual Enhancements and Aircraft Background

The Cessna 172 (often referred to as the “Skyhawk”) has been in continuous production since 1955. Due to its dependability and ease of control, it remains a go-to aircraft for countless flight training centers. This repaint, which emphasizes a gleaming silver top paired with a blue lower fuselage, showcases a stylish twist on the familiar four-seat, high-wing general aviation platform. The livery is configured for personal flying but retains the rustic charm of the classic C172 silhouette.

Key Installation Considerations

This repaint is exclusively for the cockpit and airframe of the default Cessna 172SP from Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Because no stand-alone aircraft model is included, you will need the freeware base package, locatable in the Fly Away Simulation mod library. Always remember to preserve a backup of your aircraft.cfg file prior to any installation or modification.

Method A: Simplified Replacement

• Copy the texture.972 folder and the provided aircraft.cfg directly into your default C172 directory (for instance, C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\C172).
• This approach is only advisable if your existing aircraft.cfg remains unmodified from its default state.

If you have previously edited your aircraft.cfg, proceed with the next approach to manually insert the relevant entries.

Method B: Manual Configuration

• Transfer the texture.972 folder into the default C172 installation directory (C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\C172).
• Open and edit your aircraft.cfg by appending the details found below. Substitute the XX with the consecutive fltsim index.

[fltsim.XX]
title=Cessna Skyhawk 172SP Paint6
sim=Cessna172SP
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=972
kb_checklists=Cessna172SP_check
kb_reference=Cessna172SP_ref
atc_id=CNF-972
ui_manufacturer="Cessna"
ui_type="C172SP Skyhawk"
ui_variation="Silver and Blue"
ui_typerole="Single Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Microsoft Corporation"
description="A reliable, entry-level single-engine aircraft that has helped countless aviators earn their wings. With over 35,000 built since 1955, the 172 series has become a central part of most flight schools. This version sports an elegant metallic silver and blue livery showcasing a more modern aesthetic."

• Ensure the fltsim.XX numbering is correct and save the changes.
• Relaunch your simulator to access the makeover.

Optional G1000 Panel Setup

To leverage the G1000 instrumentation in your upgraded C172, add the following lines to your aircraft.cfg instead. Again, use the subsequent fltsim.XX number and confirm accuracy.

[fltsim.XX]
title=Cessna Skyhawk 172SP Paint6
sim=Cessna172SP
model=G1000
panel=G1000
sound=
texture=972
kb_checklists=Cessna172SP_check
kb_reference=Cessna172SP_ref
atc_id=CNF-972
ui_manufacturer="Cessna"
ui_type="C172SP Skyhawk"
ui_variation="Silver and Blue"
ui_typerole="Single Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Microsoft Corporation"
description="A reliable, entry-level single-engine aircraft that has helped countless aviators earn their wings. With over 35,000 built since 1955, the 172 series has become a central part of most flight schools. This version sports an elegant metallic silver and blue livery showcasing a more modern aesthetic, now equipped with a G1000 glass cockpit."

• Confirm that each fltsim.XX entry follows the correct order.
• Save the file, then restart the simulator to enjoy the glass cockpit variant.