What is the usable fuel capacity in the Cessna 172 per tank?

The usable fuel capacity in each tank of the Cessna 172 is indeed 26 gallons. This figure is important for pilots to understand for several reasons, such as flight planning, weight and balance calculations, and ensuring that they do not exceed the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight.

Each tank is designed to provide this amount while considering the total capacity of the fuel system and the need to maintain fuel quality and safety by not allowing the fuel level to drop too low, which could lead to fuel starvation or contamination issues. Knowing that each tank has 26 gallons of usable fuel helps ensure that the pilot can calculate the total fuel available, taking into account that each tank feeds into a common fuel system which distributes fuel to the engine as needed during flight. This kind of knowledge is critical for safe and effective flight operations, ensuring that the aircraft has adequate fuel for the intended flight distance and conditions.