What is the role of the hydraulic system in the Cessna 172?

In the Cessna 172, the role of the hydraulic system is not utilized for operating flight controls, as this aircraft primarily employs mechanical systems for its flight control surfaces. Instead, the Cessna 172 is designed with a straightforward cable and pulley arrangement for its flight controls, which are manually operated by the pilot. The hydraulic system in this aircraft does have specific functionalities, such as operating the flaps, but it does not extend to the primary flight controls like ailerons, elevators, and rudder.

The correct understanding here is that the Cessna 172 does not rely on a hydraulic system for its primary flight operations, which distinguishes it from larger aircraft where hydraulic systems typically play a vital role in controlling flight surfaces. In the context of the options, selecting the statement about the absence of a hydraulic system for flight controls accurately reflects the design and operation of the Cessna 172.