ICAO C152

Cessna 152

Cessna

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Iconic two-seat piston trainer beloved by student pilots worldwide.

First flight

1977

Category

Piston trainer

Seating

Range

756 km

Engines

1 × Lycoming O-235 four-cylinder air-cooled piston engine (~110 hp)

Status

In service

The Cessna 152 is a two-seat, single-engine light aircraft produced by Cessna from 1977 to 1985. It was developed as an improved successor to the Cessna 150, featuring a more powerful engine and various refinements to enhance training utility. Over 7,500 units were built during its production run. The aircraft became one of the most widely used flight training platforms in aviation history, favored for its forgiving handling characteristics, reliability, and low operating costs. Its high-wing configuration and docile flight behavior made it an ideal choice for ab initio pilot training programs around the world. Although production ended in 1985, large numbers of Cessna 152s remain active today at flight schools and private owners across the globe. The type set the standard for the light trainer category and continues to serve as many pilots' first aircraft experience.

Notable operators

No commercial airlines operate the Cessna 152; it is widely used by flight training schools worldwide, including those operated by major aviation academies.

Notable facts

›Over 7,500 Cessna 152s were manufactured between 1977 and 1985.
›It was developed as a direct successor to the Cessna 150, featuring an upgraded Lycoming engine.
›The high-wing design provides excellent ground visibility, aiding student pilot training.
›Its docile stall characteristics and forgiving handling make it a preferred ab initio trainer.
›Many Cessna 152s remain airworthy decades after production ended due to robust airframe design.