What type of landing gear does the Cessna 172 have?

The Cessna 172 is equipped with tricycle landing gear, which is characterized by a nose wheel located at the front and two main wheels positioned under the wings. This configuration offers several advantages, including improved stability during takeoff and landing.

The tricycle gear design enhances pilot visibility during ground operations, as the nose wheel provides a forward view when taxiing. It also allows for easier landing approaches, helping to minimize the risk of a tail strike—a common concern with tailwheel designs. Additionally, tricycle landing gear facilitates a smoother roll-out after landing, making it a preferred choice for many general aviation aircraft.

In contrast, tailwheel landing gear would place the center of gravity further back, which can present challenges in handling on the ground. Skid landing gear is typically found on helicopters or certain specialized aircraft, not on fixed-wing planes like the Cessna 172. Float landing gear is used for seaplanes to allow for water landings, which is not applicable to the Cessna 172's standard design.