Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Total 1096
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
Instructor and passenger were traveling northeast from ZZZ on a training flight; approximately 20 miles north-east of ZZZ; a large amount of smoke was encountered in the cockpit. Instructor immediately closed cabin heat vent; and secured all non essential electronics and opened the windows and cabin vents; executed a 180 degree turn; flew back towards ZZZ and [advised ATC]. Upon completion of the initial actions; smoke in the cockpit was vacuumed out of the cabin and whatever component that was causing it seemed to have been secured; as the smoke stopped. No further issues nor injuries occurred. Upon landing; the plane was taxied back to [FBO] where it was secured and evacuated until cleared by the local fire chief. Upon the chief clearing the aircraft; it was tied down; chocked; and is awaiting further action by [FBO] personnel.
C-172 Flight Instructor reported encountering smoke in the cockpit and returning to departure airport.