Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 140; Flight Crew Total 2500; Flight Crew Type 1500
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Shortly after takeoff; during climb out the engine felt like it was misfiring or stumbling. It did it 3 consecutive times.  I had just been transferred over to Departure; I reported to them that I needed to return to the airport as soon as possible. I had departed Runway XY and departure turned me back toward Runway XX and had me contact Tower. I contacted Tower and they cleared me to land. During the downwind and base legs the engine stumbled 2 more times and felt as if it was going to stop. The Tower had asked me several times if I was going to need assistance on the Ground. I responded that I was not in need of assistance at that time. I made a safe landing on Runway XX and was cleared to taxi back to parking. I immediately reported the event to my supervisor. He grounded the airplane.
Instructor Pilot reported an air turn back after engine roughness was experienced on take off. A precautionary landing was made successfully at the departure airport.