Why I Love The Cessna 152

There are a huge number of planes to choose from for flight training, with Cessna and Piper being some of the dominant names.For my individual flight training, I had the choice between the Cessna 152 and the Cessna 172.


So, why the Cessna 152?


The 152 has proven its reliability over the course of  nearly 35 years. Developed in 1977, it has stood the test of time as a flight training workhorse and served as a more than adequate replacement for its predecessor, the Cessna 150. Over 7,500 C-152s were built over their course of production from 1977-85.


It is the Volkswagen Bug of airplanes: reliable, comfortable for two, mass produced, and low horsepower! 


Some general facts about the Cessna 152:

  • Two seater
  • 24 ft 1 in length
  • 33 ft 4 in wingspan
  • 8 ft 6 in height
  • 160 ft² wing area
  • 1081 lb empty weight 
  • 1670 lb max takeoff weight 
  • Lycoming O-235 horizontally opposed 4 engine (produces ~110 hp at 2550 RPM)
Performance Facts:
  • 110 kt max speed
  • 107 kt cruise speed
  • 43 kt (KIAS) stall speed
  • 414 nm range (approximately 4 hours)
  • 14,700 ft service ceiling
  • 725 ft takeoff roll
  • 715 ft/min rate of climb (Vy)
  • Vr = 50 kts
  • Vx = 55 kts
  • Vy = 67 kts
  • Best glide = 60 kts

Enough of the statistics! 
(Source: 1978 Cessna 152 POH)


I fly a Cessna 152 from about 1980. It almost matches the speeds and performance shown; however, it realistically cruises at 100 kts. My rental Cessna has no GPS, unlike the 172s at my FBO. Being a two-seater with limited space and weight, it is a tight fit! 


Some images of the plane I have been learning to fly in: 


Taxiing in

Landing with a crosswind

My favorite picture!