Cessna 152

Overview

The Cessna 152 is a two-seat, fixed-gear, high-wing trainer produced from 1977 to 1985, and the direct successor to the Cessna 150. It is the most widely used primary trainer in general aviation history, with roughly 7,600 built during its production run and thousands still active in flight schools and private hands worldwide. The airframe is simple, forgiving, and well-documented: qualities that made it the default choice for ab initio training for over four decades.

The 152 differs from the 150 primarily in its engine: the Lycoming O-235-L2C replaces the Continental O-200, adding marginal power and a notably longer TBO of 2,400 hours. The airframe is otherwise similar, with Cessna’s characteristic high-wing visibility, benign stall characteristics, and stable handling. It is not a fast or capable cross-country aircraft. That is not what it is for.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Proven trainer airframe. The 152’s handling qualities were deliberately designed to be forgiving: high wing for visibility and stability, a wide CG envelope, and stall characteristics that give ample warning and recover predictably. These same qualities make it an accessible first aircraft for newly certificated pilots building hours.

Low operating costs. At 6 GPH on the Lycoming O-235-L2C and with one of the longest TBOs in general aviation (2,400 hours), the 152 is among the cheapest certificated aircraft to operate. Annual inspections are straightforward: no retractable gear, no turbocharger, no complex systems. Purchase prices for airworthy examples typically run $25,000–$45,000.

Parts and maintenance ecosystem. With thousands of 152s on the FAA registry and a large network of experienced shops, parts availability and mechanic familiarity are non-issues. The aircraft is one of the best-supported types in general aviation regardless of age.

Mogas STC available. An STC permits the use of automotive gasoline, which can meaningfully reduce fuel costs for owners at fields where mogas is available.

Trade-offs

• Two seats, low useful load. The 152 carries two people and not much else. Useful load is approximately 589 lbs; with full fuel (26 gallons, 156 lbs) that leaves around 433 lbs for occupants and baggage. Two average adults with bags will need to watch weight and balance carefully.
• Slow cruise. 107 KTAS is not a cross-country speed. The 152 is a training and local-flying aircraft. Trips over 150 nm become a test of patience rather than a practical mission.
• Aging fleet. Production ended in 1985. Every 152 in service is at least 40 years old. Airframe condition, corrosion history, and maintenance records deserve close scrutiny in any pre-purchase inspection. High-time training aircraft in particular may have accumulated significant wear.
• Valve adjustments every 100 hours. The O-235-L2C uses solid tappets, unlike most Lycoming engines. Valve clearance must be checked and adjusted every 100 hours, adding a recurring maintenance cost that catches some owners off-guard.
• Limited utility beyond training. Once a pilot is certificated and building hours, the 152 quickly becomes too small for practical personal travel. Most owners transition to a four-seat aircraft within a few years.

See Also

• Cessna 150 – the predecessor; mechanically similar, marginally less power, widely available at lower prices
• Cessna Skyhawk 172/Cutlass – the natural step-up; four seats, more useful load, and practical cross-country capability
• Piper Tomahawk PA38 – the primary contemporary competitor in the training market; low-wing design with more responsive handling