Which to choose Cessna 152 or 172 for flight training.

[jcandpacquiao]

I would like to choose the cessna 152 for flight training (to save money), but i was wondering when i get my pilot's license will i be able to operate a cessna 172 also.

[subpilot]

Do the 152, unless it is just too uncomfortable. I am 6'2" and 195lbs and I can still fit in a 152 so don't be quick to say "I can't fit in that small thing." You don't have to do all your training in only one or the other, you could mix it up a little. For example, I would rather do the x-countries in a 172 due to the higher cruising speed and yes... more comfortable for a long flight. Once you get your private, you can fly any single engine with the proper checkout.

Factor the savings of using a 152 vs a 172. Consider a $20 price difference and 50 hours of flight time would save you $1000 for your private. Don't let any fancy GPS sway you either because for your private you should be focusing on fundamentals.

Safe Flying

[pwttogfk]

I did all my primary in a 152, then switched to a 172 for IFR (the 152 was VFR only). I'm 6'3" and was able to survive my 3.5 hour cross country. A 172 isn't all that much faster, so I wouldn't have saved any cash by doing x-c work in it. Once you have your private, though, I can't emphasize enough doing a w/b and calculating takeoff distance with density altitude factored in for all your 172 flights. It really isn't a true 4-place a/c with full fuel, and on a hot day 3 heavy pax is pushing it. Other than that and slightly different V-speeds, there really isn't that much too making the transition (my flight school still made me do a checkout in a 172, but it only took about .6 hours). As far as feel, I'd say that the 152, solo, is the best to fly--I feel like it's an extension of my mind, it's so easy to fly. A 172 near the top end of w/b is a lot heavier on the controls, but it's still very docile with no surprises.

[Hacker15e]

Fly whatever's cheaper to rent and feed.

Your PPL will look exactly the same no matter which of those two you pick.

[KC Jake]

I just finished teaching a guy here at CPS. He did all of his training in the 152. The day after he took his checkride, he went to a different airport and got checked out in a 172. It's not that big of a change. You pretty much add two seats and about 10 kts to all the v-speeds and you're set.

[jcandpacquiao]

thanks for all the answers guys, i guess i would do the cessna 152 since all of you are recommending it. I've already been in a cessna 152 and its not that bad. Maybe because am only 5'9.

[fiveninerzero]

Get the cheaper one. 152 all the way.

[MichaelCPS]

Originally Posted by jcandpacquiao

thanks for all the answers guys, i guess i would do the cessna 152 since all of you are recommending it. I've already been in a cessna 152 and its not that bad. Maybe because am only 5'9.

I personally think that the 152 isn't bad in the comfort area. It has a lot of headroom that makes it seems like it is roomier than it really is. I have done a few hours of instructing in the 152 and never had any issues.

While we utilize the 152 for time building, we only use in on the student's request during the Private Pilot training.

Michael

[surreal1221]

Whichever is cheapest.

[yoman793]

since your 5-9 and im guessing not over 200 + pounds, go with the 152. there are essentially the same airplane. high wing, slow, stable, forgiving, and they both end with 2. i on the other hand, am 6'3 215. my instructor is also not the standard faa 170 lbs and with full fuel and the two of us on board, we were getting pretty heavy. i sprung for the comfort of the 172. its a little faster and has more elbow room. im wasting a little bit of extra money for this comfort but i am already going up to my eyballs in debt, so what the heck. im sure i'll utilize the little 152 after im done to build time.