| Tail Number / N-Number | N1261U |
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| Model | 172M |
| Year Built | 1976 |
| Manufacturer's Serial Number | 17266956 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Land |
| Builder Certification | Type Certificated |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats |
| Weight Class | CLASS 1 (Up to 12,499 pounds gross take off weight) |
| Engine Manufacturer | LYCOMING |
| Engine Model | 0-320 SERIES |
| Engine Type | Reciprocating |
| Number of Engines | 1 engine |
| Horsepower | 180 hp (134 kW) |
| Average Cruising Speed | 108 miles per hour |
| Type of Registrant | Corporation |
| Owner Name | VLFTEC INC |
| Street | 3020 WHITE OAK DR |
| City | AMES |
| State | IA |
| Zip Code | 50014-8216 |
| Region | Central |
| County | Story County |
| Country | US |
| Fractional Ownership | No |
| Airworthiness Classification | Standard |
| Airworthiness Date | 1976-03-22 |
| Certificate Issue Date | 1981-10-06 |
| Last Action Date | 2021-07-02 |
| Expiration Date | 2028-10-31 |
| Status | Valid Registration |
| Mode S Code | 50066212 |
| Mode S Code Hex | A06C8A |