What type of material is the Cessna 172's fuselage primarily made of?

The Cessna 172's fuselage is primarily made of aluminum alloy, which is a lightweight and durable material. Aluminum alloys are favored in aircraft construction due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, which is crucial for enhancing fuel efficiency and performance. The use of aluminum also allows for easier fabrication and repair processes compared to other materials.

In contrast, while composite materials are becoming increasingly popular in modern aircraft design, they are not the primary material used in the construction of the Cessna 172. Steel is utilized in specific components, like the landing gear, for its strength but is not used for the fuselage. Wood was commonly used in earlier aviation designs but has largely been phased out in favor of materials like aluminum in contemporary aircraft manufacturing, including the Cessna 172.