Differences between Cessna 152 & 172

Ionio Aguirre De Carcer, a former flight dispatcher for several airlines in Florida, is the director of Latin America regional affairs for New Frontier Data. In this capacity, he travels and meets government officials in Latin America. Ionio Aguirre De Carcer maintains an interest in aviation and is a trained pilot with experience flying both the Cessna 152 and 172.

One of the most well-known training aircraft makers, Cessna aircraft feature easy handling and simple construction. This approach was applied in the design of the company’s 152 airplane. With over 7,000 C-152s built from 1977 to 1985, the design was an updated version of the Cessna 150. With two seats, the aircraft has a total length just over 24 feet and a wingspan of 33 feet 4 inches. It is a durable, fixed-tricycle gear aircraft with a Lycoming O-235 engine.

The C-152 is a small airplane that is capable of carrying a maximum weight of 1,670 pounds. This includes the aircraft’s empty weight and full fuel tanks, leaving roughly 500 pounds of weight for the two passengers along with any luggage.

Similar to the C-152 is the C-172. For many people, the C-152 is more economical and is preferred for flight training. The C-172 is a four-seater and is more practical for larger people. It is also faster than its smaller counterpart and is often preferred for long trips. The length of the aircraft is 27 feet 2 inches, while the wingspan is 36 feet 1 inch.

Aside from difference in size, the C-172 also shares the fixed-tricycle gear, high-wing, single-engine design of the C-152. It was introduced in 1955 and is still being produced today.