Cessna 152

Cessna Aircraft By Textron Aviation

Clyde Cessna, the visionary behind Cessna Aviation, ignited his passion for aviation at a 1911 exhibition. With a foundation in mechanics and car sales, he crafted his own airplane from a kit, honing his skills as a pilot along the way.

In 1916, Cessna seized an opportunity at the J.J. Jones Car Co. warehouse, where he was tasked with building aircraft. The only stipulation? His first creation would proudly carry the name “Jones-Six.” Despite facing numerous challenges during World War I, he successfully launched the Comet in 1917.

By 1925, Cessna had teamed up with industry pioneers Walter Beech and Lloyd Stearman to create the Travel Air Manufacturing Company. After a stint as President, he sought a more hands-on approach to his work.

A few years later, he established the Cessna-Roos Company. However, in 1931, declining sales forced him to shutter the business. It wasn’t until 1933, when his nephew Dwane Wallace inspired him to reopen, that Cessna’s legacy began to flourish again, culminating in the introduction of the company’s first twin-engine aircraft in 1938.

The outbreak of World War II sparked a massive demand for twin-engine planes, propelling Cessna Aircraft into a new era of success under the stewardship of the Wallace Brothers.

Cessna 152 Flight Training Purposes

The Cessna 152 was originally designed as a successor to the Cessna 150 with several improvements. While the Cessna 150 was popular for training, the 152 featured a more powerful engine, improved visibility with larger windows, and better aerodynamics. 

Moreover, the Cessna 152 has a reputable safety record with many still in operation today. This aircraft offers durability and reliability as a training aircraft and is a top-flight training choice due to its exceptional stability and control. Both features better equip new pilots to learn basic maneuvers without the distraction of complex handling. 

Moreover, the cost of a Cessna 152 along with its impressive fuel efficiency reduces operating costs. Especially when the 152 is compared to other singles on the market. Other 152 benefits include instructor familiarity and readily available parts, making it an attractive option for flight schools. While newer aircraft are typically more technologically advanced and equipped with more bells and whistles, pilots and flight trainers alike continue to use 152s for flight training.

  • Country of Origin: America

Cessna 152

Below are the average statistics for the latest Cessna 152 (1985).

  • Maximum Speed: 109 kts
  • Maximum Range: 625 nm
  • Maximum Occupants: 2
  • Range Of Years Manufactured: 1978-1985
  • Total Aircraft Build: 6,628
  • Currently In Operation: 2,524
  • Useful Load: 566 lbs.
  • Average Sale Value: $66,057
  • Average Days On Market For Sale: 57
  • VREF Demand Rating: Join VREF Online

Operational Resources

Operations Manual

Maintenance Document

Local Resources

Manufacturer

Insurance

Cessna 152 Details

The following is information for the latest Cessna 152 in this series.

Interior

The interior of a 1985 Cessna 152 typically features 2 seats with a control panel in front of the pilot and co-pilot. The cockpit is equipped with basic flight instruments, including:

  • Airspeed indicator
  • Altimeter
  • Attitude indicator
  • Heading indicator
  • Vertical speed indicator

The interior may have either fabric or vinyl upholstery. The cabin is fairly small with limited space for luggage or additional equipment. Additionally, the windows provide good visibility. The overall interior design prioritizes functionality and efficiency for flight operations.

Exterior

The Cessna 152 is a two-seat general aviation aircraft with a fixed tricycle gear design, mostly used for flight training and personal flying. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the Cessna 150, the 152 incorporates several subtle design enhancements and boasts a more robust engine with extended intervals between overhauls. Although production ceased over thirty years ago, numerous Cessna 152s remain operational – continuing to serve as a reliable choice for flight training across the country.

Avionics

  • Shock Mounted Panel 
  • Engine Controls 
  • Switch Panel
  • Radio Switch Panel
  • Decorative Cover 
  • Shock Mount
  • Heating and Ventilation Controls 

Specifications

  • Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Fixed Gear
  • Max Seats: 2
  • Max Takeoff Weight: 1,670 lbs.
  • Cruise: 107 kts
  • Range: 545 nm
  • Take-Off Run: 725 ft.
  • Landing Roll: 475 ft.
  • Wing Span: 32 ft. 9 in.
  • Length: 24 ft. 1 in.
  • Height: 8 ft. 6 in.
  • Takeoff Run (50 ft.): 1,340 ft.
  • Cessna 152 Models

An overview of Cessna 152 aircraft models

152

This 2-seat light touring aircraft features a fixed tricycle landing gear and is powered by a 110-horsepower Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. A total of 6,628 units were manufactured. In addition to the standard Model 152, there was a 152 II variant offering an upgraded package of standard avionics and trim features. Manufactured from 1978 to 1985, the 152 received its type certification in 1977.

A152 Aerobat

The A152 Aerobat is a 2-seat aircraft designed for aerobatic capability. Cessna produced 315 Aerobats in total. This model is certified for +6/-3 G loads and comes equipped with standard 4-point harnesses, skylights, and jettisonable doors. The Aerobat version of the 152 also features a distinctive checkerboard paint scheme and removable seat cushions to accommodate parachutes for crew members.

F152

Reims Aviation-manufactured version of the model 152, with 552 units produced.

FA152 Aerobat

Reims Aviation-manufactured version of the model A152, with 89 units produced.

C152 II

This variant is equipped with a NavPac package, featuring improved avionics for IFR flight and additional interior equipment. This increases its basic empty weight slightly. NavPac aids pilots in determining their position at sea using celestial navigation. It can calculate Great Circle and Rhumb Line tracks, as well as determine the rising and setting times of the sun and stars by providing the height and azimuth of celestial bodies.

C152 T

The Cessna 152-T trainer is not a distinct model for civilian use. Rather, it denotes a “trainer” version equipped with a flight school package, with “T” indicating its training configuration.

C152 Aviat

The C152 Aviat is a Cessna 152 that has undergone comprehensive overhaul and rebuilding by Aviat Aircraft.

Top Cessna 152 Questions

Check out FAQs about the Cessna 152 series of aircraft.

Why Is Cessna 152 Known As “The Last Affordable Airplane”?

The term “affordable” often gets thrown around in aviation. Cessna 152s stand out as a genuinely budget-friendly option, typically priced around $20,000. This affordability is largely due to flight schools regularly selling off their fleets of these dependable trainers.

What Is Cessna’s Cardinal Rule?

Cessna initiated its “Cardinal Rule” program in response to operational challenges faced by the Cardinal following its debut in 1968. This initiative enabled existing models to be retrofitted with leading-edge slots to stabilators, a change that was subsequently applied to new production aircraft. This modification effectively resolved the stabilator-stalling issues, while still maintaining lighter-than-average pitch forces for a Cessna.

Why Was The Cessna 152 Discontinued?

In the 1970s and early 1980s, the aviation industry witnessed a significant surge in demand for training aircraft, driven by an expansion in pilot training programs and a boom in general aviation. However, by 1985, Cessna made the decision to halt production of the 152, responding to a notable decline in demand for new training aircraft.

Why Is William Kershner Called The “Spin Doctor”?

In 1984, aviation pioneer William K. Kershner, son of the legendary Bill Kershner, acquired Cessna’s Aerobat aircraft, registered as N7557L, to serve as a training tool for his flight school. Kershner believed that exposing pilots to controlled aerobatics and spins was crucial for emergency preparedness, ultimately helping them avoid incidents.

With an impressive 61 years of flying experience, Kershner logged over 11,000 flight hours, including 4,300 as an instructor. Renowned for his expertise in aerobatics and spin training, he executed more than 7,000 spins, some featuring up to 21 turns. Kershner often recorded these maneuvers for instructional analysis.

An accomplished author, Kershner wrote and continuously updated five manuals that have become essential resources for countless pilots. His contributions extended to numerous training and safety articles in aviation magazines. Kershner was also a sought-after lecturer, known for blending technical insights with dry humor and practical wisdom.

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