The aircraft is a 4 seat Cessna 172N built in 1978 for the American register as N737RJ, it was imported to this country in 1990 and was added to the British register with the callsign G-BRBI. It then was based at Popham in 1991, briefly available for hire when in 1992 shares became available and The Skyhawk Flying Group was formed.
Powered by a Nicholson MacLaren fully refurbished and zero timed Lycoming O-320-H2AD powerplant producing 160hp.  The overhaul included new crankshaft, new crankcase, new cam shaft and followers and new pistons and everything else new or overhauled.
it has good short-field performance, enhanced still further by slotted flaps with a full extension of 40 degrees.

Back in 1993 the engine was replaced having run 2,300 hrs,with a 'T' modified version of the O-320-H2AD engine with larger cam followers designed to increase the longevity of the valve train.

In 2010 the aircraft had a complete refurbishment. A full back to bare metal respray, and completely new interior finished in grey leather with new carpets and the old interior trim replaced including both panels.
In addition the prop and magnetos were completely overhauled and the controls had new bearings and rollers.
The airframe has completed over 4000 hrs and , retains a crisp, accurate feel when flying especially after the work to the controls.
The aircraft has never been used for training either.

Depending on which variants you include, over 42,000 of these aircraft were built, earning a reputation for being one of the safest light aircraft ever built.

The instrument panel has the IFR avionics fit and includes twin altimeters, DME, VOR and VOR/ILS, Mode S, 2 radios (8.33 Khz) and a 4 place intercom. Endurance is 4 hrs 30 mins plus 45 minutes for hold or diversion and in the cruise 105 kts @ 2,300rpm gives a range of 500nm.