Cessna 152
Cessna 152 Overview
The Cessna 152 is a two-seat, single-engine, high-wing aircraft designed primarily for flight training, touring, and personal use. Introduced in 1977 by Cessna Aircraft Company as the successor to the popular Cessna 150, the 152 incorporates subtle yet meaningful design improvements to enhance flight characteristics, durability, and operator convenience. Its reliability, low operating costs, and forgiving flight characteristics have made it a cornerstone of pilot training programs worldwide.
Description
The Cessna 152 boasts a rugged yet simple design. It features an all-metal airframe with a semi-monocoque fuselage, providing structural durability and ease of maintenance. The aircraft’s high-wing configuration ensures excellent visibility and stability, essential for student pilots and scenic flying.
The cockpit is designed with functionality in mind, offering a straightforward layout of instruments and controls. Two bucket seats provide adequate comfort for short trips, while the baggage area can accommodate up to 120 lbs of luggage or equipment.
The landing gear is fixed and tricycle-configured, offering stability during ground operations. The steerable nose wheel and spring-steel main gear struts provide durability, even on less-than-ideal runways.
Specifications
General Specifications | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
Production Years | 1977–1985 |
Role | Trainer, Personal Use |
Capacity | 2 (Pilot and Passenger) |
Length | 24 ft 1 in (7.34 m) |
Wingspan | 33 ft 4 in (10.16 m) |
Height | 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) |
Wing Area | 159 sq ft (14.8 m²) |
Empty Weight | 1,081 lbs (490 kg) |
Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 1,670 lbs (757 kg) |
Engine | Lycoming O-235-L2C, 4-cylinder, 110 hp (82 kW) |
Propeller | Fixed-pitch |
Fuel Capacity | 26 gallons usable (98 liters) |
Range | 415 nautical miles (480 mi / 769 km) |
Cruise Speed | 107 knots (123 mph / 198 km/h) |
Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,480 m) |
Takeoff Distance (50 ft obstacle) | 1,350 ft (411 m) |
Landing Distance (50 ft obstacle) | 1,300 ft (396 m) |
Performance
The Cessna 152 is powered by a robust Lycoming O-235-L2C engine, delivering 110 horsepower. Its performance is tailored for flight training and light touring, offering predictable handling characteristics and a forgiving nature. The aircraft can climb at a rate of approximately 715 feet per minute, reaching a service ceiling of 14,700 feet.
Fuel efficiency is one of the 152’s strong suits, consuming about 6 gallons per hour, making it an economical choice for flight schools and personal pilots alike. The fixed-pitch propeller ensures ease of operation, while its aerodynamic design promotes steady flight and straightforward stall recovery.
While not a high-speed performer, the Cessna 152’s manageable cruise speed of 107 knots is sufficient for short cross-country flights. Its landing and takeoff capabilities make it adaptable to smaller airstrips, enhancing its utility for a variety of missions.