C152 vs C172 For PPL

M

musky

Well-Known Member
First of all, I just want to thank all the contributors at Jetcareers. It is always fascinating to read the posts. Also, please forgive me in advance if this question has been asked before.

Ok, this is my situation. I have always loved flying since I was young. I have taken a couple of discovery flights and absolutely loved them. Last week, my wife and I came to an agreement that it was time for I to get my Private Pilots License. I am really not looking at making a career out of this. I just want to fly for the fun of it.

Anyway, last week I visited a local school in the DFW area and they had a 1978 C152 and several C172’s. I am seriously contemplating using the C152 for training (obviously for cost savings purposes). My intention is to get my training in a C152 and then take my check ride in a C172. Since I am planning to pay for the plane in ‘block’ time, I can get it for $66/hour compared to $105/hour for a C172. I had a chance to look at the plane. It is very basic, compared to the C172.

How would you guys rate the C152? How do the C152’s compare to the C172’s in terms of training for the PPL? I have heard that the C172’s are more forgiving to student pilots. Assuming all the other factors are constant (ie comparing apples to apples) would I spend more time learning maneuvers in a C152 than a C172? Also, how can I know if a flight school has been maintaining its fleet regularly?

Thanks
 
musky said:
First of all, I just want to thank all the contributors at Jetcareers. It is always fascinating to read the posts. Also, please forgive me in advance if this question has been asked before.

Ok, this is my situation. I have always loved flying since I was young. I have taken a couple of discovery flights and absolutely loved them. Last week, my wife and I came to an agreement that it was time for I to get my Private Pilots License. I am really not looking at making a career out of this. I just want to fly for the fun of it.

Anyway, last week I visited a local school in the DFW area and they had a 1978 C152 and several C172’s. I am seriously contemplating using the C152 for training (obviously for cost savings purposes). My intention is to get my training in a C152 and then take my check ride in a C172. Since I am planning to pay for the plane in ‘block’ time, I can get it for $66/hour compared to $105/hour for a C172. I had a chance to look at the plane. It is very basic, compared to the C172.

How would you guys rate the C152? How do the C152’s compare to the C172’s in terms of training for the PPL? I have heard that the C172’s are more forgiving to student pilots. Assuming all the other factors are constant (ie comparing apples to apples) would I spend more time learning maneuvers in a C152 than a C172? Also, how can I know if a flight school has been maintaining its fleet regularly?

Thanks
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All Cessna Singles fly the same. 152's are a blast to fly. If you train in the 152 then take your check ride in the 152.
 
DUDE 152 all the way! The transition over to the C-172 will be easy as cake! Save the money and have some fun with the C-152! You cant beat it for a PPL!
 
I agree, go with the 152, especially at $40 an hour difference. Every hour and a half saved is an extra hour in the air and that is what it is all about.

They fly the same (have owned both) and you can wait till you have your PPL to get signed off in the 172.
 
Go with the 152, if money is an issue. If you are a larger guy you might find the 150 a little cramped if your instructor weighs more than 160 or so.

The 172 is a better performer and will probably better suit your needs after you get your license.

If you your training in the 150, stay with the same airplane all the way through and take your checkride in it.

Take a rental checkout in the 172 after you get your licience. It might take 90 minutes in the pattern to get used to the 172.
 
Where in DFW were/are you looking at this? I'm quite curious.

One thing I will point out - we're getting into the hotter summer (simmer?) months here in Dallas. Those 152s ain't a lot of fun on a hot, sweaty day, when you're cramped up with a hot, sweaty instructor in a plane that's not gonna climb well or get you out to the practice area in any reasonable amount of time. At least, that's one argument which has been presented to me when I've considered the same decision.

Your mileage may vary...
 
Thank you all for your responses. KillBilly, I am considering Katie Hawk, based out of GKY.

Yea, I know how the DFW summers can be! I am considering doing most of my flying in the evenings and Saturday early mornings before the simmering heat sets in.
 
The 152 is definently a cool little airplane. The only thing I worry about it overgrossing it. Between fuel and my instructor and I, we are very heavy.
 
I got my PPL in a C152. After passing my checkride I got checked out in the C172 the same day. The transistion is very easy.
 
Only thing I would say is if they only have 1 152 and they have multiple 172s of the same make, it may be easier for you to schedule flights in the 172 or not have to cancel if the 152 goes down for a few days/weeks. It is a trade off between convenience and cost.
 
With gas prices affecting rental prices the way they are right now I would go with the 152. It is enough for private pilot stuff, you don't need tons of power or seats or avionics yet. After you take the checkride you can get checked out in whatever you want if you wanna take people up for a ride. The money you save flying the 152 for your training could pay for that checkout and fun flights after the checkride.
 
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