Cessna 152

Overview

The Cessna 152 is a two-seat, fixed-gear, single-engine land airplane designed around primary flight training. Its smaller cabin and 110 hp Lycoming O-235-L2C engine make the Model 152 a different loading and performance exercise from the four-seat 172S. This page uses the 1978 Model 152 handbook basis, not a blended set of figures from the Model 150 family.

The two-seat layout keeps the student and instructor close to the aircraft center of gravity, but the useful load still leaves little room for heavy baggage or unnecessary fuel. The fixed tricycle landing gear and uncomplicated cabin support repetitive takeoffs, landings, and ground reference lessons. Individual aircraft can differ because of radios, supplemental equipment, repairs, and changes recorded in the current weight and balance report.

Performance

The handbook cruise value of 107 kt and range value of 415 nm are book figures for the stated source conditions. They should not be read as a trip forecast. Wind, mixture, altitude, temperature, loading, engine condition, and the selected power setting change the result.

The Model 152's climb references show a noticeable difference between angle and rate. VX 55 KIAS favors altitude gained over distance, while VY 67 KIAS favors the greatest rate of altitude gain. The actual POH performance charts should be used with the current aircraft weight and atmospheric conditions. A calculator can demonstrate the effect of density altitude, but it does not replace the handbook chart.

V-speeds

The reference schedule lists VNE 149 KIAS, VNO 111 KIAS, and VA 104 KIAS at maximum weight. Maneuvering speed is weight dependent, so the maximum weight value is not a universal setting for a lighter aircraft. The flap limit for this handbook basis is VFE 85 KIAS.

The VX, VY, and VA glossary entries explain the terms. The current aircraft placards and POH remain the authority for the airplane being flown.

Weight and balance

The stated 589 lb useful load is a handbook figure tied to the source configuration. It is not the payload in every Model 152. With two occupants, headsets, baggage, and fuel, the margin can narrow quickly. A nominal two-seat capacity does not mean every combination of occupants and fuel is interchangeable.

The 26 gal fuel capacity also makes the training mission easy to misread. Full tanks provide endurance, but they consume a larger share of a 1,670 lb gross weight than a casual seat-count calculation suggests. Use the actual empty weight, arms, fuel quantity, and baggage station in a current loading calculation. The weight and balance calculator is for training and reference only.

Training notes

The Model 152's two-seat cabin and lower engine output make it useful for lessons focused on basic aircraft control, traffic patterns, and energy management. Its limited payload makes fuel and occupant planning visible early in training. The aircraft's age also makes configuration-specific instruction important. Students need the assigned airplane's checklist, equipment list, placards, and handbook rather than a generic Model 152 summary.

Variants

The Model 150 and Model 152 should not share performance figures without checking their separate documentation. The Aerobat designation adds an approved maneuvering context that does not apply automatically to every Model 152. A separate record is appropriate when the source document and operating limitations materially change.

Sources

This page uses the Cessna 152 Pilot's Operating Handbook for the 1978 Model 152, Section 9, with configuration context from FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A19. Confirm the applicable revision, serial range, and aircraft records before using any figure.