Cessna 172 VFR Speeds and Traffic Pattern: A Simulator Reference

The Cessna 172 is the default trainer in Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and countless flight schools. Most sim pilots jump in and fly by feel — which works until crosswind, density altitude, or a tight pattern exposes missing numbers. A simple speed card and repeatable pattern flow turn random circuits into deliberate training. Use NG ROUTE to plan a cross-country into an unfamiliar field, then practice the local pattern with these references before chasing airliners again.

Key speeds (typical 172S / N-model)

Always verify against your aircraft POH or add-on checklist; sim models vary slightly.

• V_NE — never exceed (red line) — do not approach in normal flight
• V_NO — max structural cruising — rough air below this
• V_A — manoeuvring speed — use in turbulence at or below max gross weight
• Best rate of climb V_Y — often ~74 KIAS flaps up (common training figure)
• Best angle V_X — obstacle clearance after takeoff
• Normal approach — 65–75 KIAS base to final with gradual deceleration
• Short final — ~60–65 KIAS flaps full
• Flap extension — typically below white arc; 10° then 20° then full per POH

Standard traffic pattern (left)

1. Departure leg — climb at V_Y, track runway extended centreline to ~700 ft AGL (or local procedure).
2. Crosswind — turn at 45° or at 700 ft; continue climb to pattern altitude (usually 1,000 ft AGL).
3. Downwind — parallel runway, abeam touchdown point: power set, first notch flaps, brief landing checklist.
4. Base — turn, descend, second stage flaps; target ~70 KIAS.
5. Final — full flaps when stable; 60–65 KIAS over threshold; aim for touch down on numbers.

In the sim, call each leg aloud. If you cannot describe your position in the pattern, you are not ready to land at a busy field on VATSIM.

Power settings

There is no single “pattern power” for all density altitudes. At sea level, many pilots use roughly 1,500–1,700 RPM downwind and reduce on base. At high elevation airports planned with NG ROUTE, expect longer legs and higher true airspeed for the same indicated airspeed — brief field elevation from METAR and add margin on final.

Common sim mistakes

• Flying final at cruise speed — floats half the runway
• Full flaps abeam the numbers on downwind — drag too early, undershoots base
• No go-around brief — go around if not stable by 200 ft AGL
• Ignoring wind from NG ROUTE METAR — crab on downwind, remove drift before flare

Practice idea

Plan LGAV–LGSR or any short VFR hop in NG ROUTE, fly the arrival, then do five full-stop landings without resetting the flight. Goal: same final speed ±3 knots every time.

Speeds and limits vary by 172 variant and simulator model. Use your add-on POH. Simulation training only.