THE CESSNA 152In 1978 Cessna introduced a revised model, the 152, with a 110 horsepower Lycoming 0-235 engine. The Lycoming was chosen to provide a long overdue increase in horsepower and make the 152 more compatible with the new 100LL fuel. The cabin was also widened slightly to make room for the increased girth of late 20th century pilots. Unlike the Model 150, there were few changes in 152s from one year to the next. |
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By the end of production in 1985, 31,533 Cessna 150/152s had been manufactured worldwide. More pilots have flown Cessna 150s and 152s than any other single model of airplane. Like most light plane companies in the US, Cessna stopped building light aircraft all together in the mid 1980's because of excessive product liability lawsuits. The last Model 152 rolled off the production line in 1985. |
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In 1970 Cessna introduced the model 150 "Aerobat" which became very popular in the Aerobatic training market, and it remains a popular sport airplane today.
Today Cessna is once again in the light aircraft business, building the 172, 182 and 206. Unfortunately, the high cost of production and insurance premiums make it unlikely that Cessna will reintroduce a two seat aircraft. In the meantime, used 150s and 152s are selling for three to five times their original price. Still, by comparison, the low quantities and astronomical prices of most other airplanes make the Cessna 150 and 152 one of the few genuine bargains in private aviation. Remarkably more than two thirds of all Cessna 150s and 152s built are still flying.
Cessna 152 Factory Specs
|
Year |
1978 |
1981 |
1985 |
|
Base Price |
$14,950 |
$26,450 |
$40,900 |
|
Top Speed |
110 kts |
110 kts |
109 kts |
|
Rate of Climb |
715fpm |
715fpm |
715fpm |
|
Max Range |
415 nm |
415 nm |
370 Nm |
|
Service Ceiling |
14,700 |
14,700 |
14,700 |
|
Gross Weight |
1,670 |
1,670 |
1,670 |
|
Useful Load |
589 |
566 |
566 |