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:
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| Taxiing in |
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| Landing with a crosswind |
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| My favorite picture! |
