Cessna 152
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The Cessna 152 is a two-seat, fixed tricycle gear general aviation airplane, primarily used for flight training.
152 history
The 152, first delivered in 1977 as the 1978 model year, was the upgrade and modernization of the Cessna 150. The majority of 152s were built (as with the previous 150) at the Cessna factory in Wichita, Kansas. Many of the rest were produced by Reims Aviation in France; these models are designated as F152s. 152s use only Lycoming O-235 engines, whereas the 150s use both Continental (O-200) and Rolls-Royce engines.The 152 was a very popular plane, with several revisions and models including the "Aerobat" aerobatic model.
The 152 not only featured a long-overdue increase in engine power, but also was compatible with the newer 100LL Low Lead fuel. The 152 also featured cabin size upgrades to accommodate larger pilots, though the 152 cabin is still fairly small and not so well suited to larger pilots who might prefer the more spacious Cessna 172.
Unlike many of Cessna's earlier aircraft, the 152 model stayed fairly consistent over the years.
Cessna ceased production of the 152 along with all of their light aircraft in 1985, as did many other aircraft manufacturers. Total production of 152s from 1978-1985 was 7,584 worldwide.
Airframe
The 152's airframe is an all metal construction. It is primarily aluminium alloy, though some components such as wing tips and fairings are made from glass-reinforced plastic. The fuselage is a semi-monocoque structure: it has vertical bulkheads and frames joined by longerons which run the length of the fuselage. The metal skin of the aircraft is riveted which allows loads to spread out over the whole construction. The wings are of semi-cantilever design and have a 1 degree dihedral angle.Flying controls
Dual controls are fitted as standard on this aircraft due to its role as a basic trainer.The Cessna 152 is equipped with differential ailerons that move though 20 degrees upwards and 15 degrees downwards. It has slotted Fowler flaps which are electric and increase to a maximum of 30 degrees. The rudder can move 23 degrees to either side, and is fitted with a ground adjustable trim tab. The elevators move up through 25 degrees and down through 18 degrees. An adjustable trim tab is fitted to the starboard elevator and is controlled by a small wheel below the throttle; this tab moves 10 degrees up and 20 degrees down.
Undercarriage
The C152 is equipped with fixed tricycle landing gear. The main gear is a tubular steel undercarriage leg surrounded by a full length fairing with a step for access to the cabin; the strut attaches to the lower fusleage with a plastic fairing. The main gear has a 7 ft 7 in (2.3 m) wheelbase.The nosewheel is connected to the engine mount and has an air/oleo strut to damp and absorb normal operating loads. The nosewheel is steerable through 8 degrees either side of neutral and can castor under differential braking up to 30 degrees. It is connected to the rudder pedals through a spring linkage.
The braking system consists of single drum brake assemblies fitted to the main undercarriage and operated by a hydraulic system; brakes are operated via the top portion of the rudder pedals, it is possible to use differential braking when taxiing and this allows very tight turns to be made, however it is advisable not to make many turns in this manner as it can scrub tires badly and put excessive pressure on tire walls. The 152 is also fitted with a parking brake system, it is applied by depressing both toe brakes and then pulling the "Park Brake" lever to the pilots left, the toe brakes are then released but pressure is maintained in the system thereby leaving both brakes engaged; it is not recommended that the park brake be left on for periods over a week as it can lead to fatigue cracks in the hydraulic system.
The tires used on the main gear are 600 X 6 as standard and the nose wheel is 500 X 5. Tires are considered unserviceable if any of the grooves have less than 2 mm depth over 25% of the tire, or if at any place the tread pattern is worn to less than 2 mm across the tire width.
Type Clubs
The Cessna 152 is supported by a number of Aircraft Type Clubs, including the Cessna 150-152 Club and the Cessna Pilots Association.Military operators
- Bolivia, Botswana, Ecuador, Gabon.
Specifications (Cessna 152)
Related content
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Designation series
120 - 140 - 150 - 152 - 170 - 172 - 175 - 180External links
- [www.cessna.com - Cessna Aircraft Company]
- [Aircraft Info.net - Cessna 150/152]
- [Cessna 150-152 Club]
- [Cessna Pilots Association]
- [AOPA Flight Training - Cessna 150/152]
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