Cessna 152 or 172 ???
09-12-2011, 11:37 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2011
Posts: 5
Cessna 152 or 172 ???
I'm suppose to start flying this month to get my PPL. My problem is I'm only
5'7 ft tall with a sitting height of 35in. Which aircraft would give me a better all-around visibility?
I wanna be able to see above the control panel better to make me more comfortable while flying.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
---Thank you
5'7 ft tall with a sitting height of 35in. Which aircraft would give me a better all-around visibility?
I wanna be able to see above the control panel better to make me more comfortable while flying.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
---Thank you
09-13-2011, 04:22 AM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2010
Position: SA227, left seat
Posts: 109
Have you gone to a flight school and sat in any of the planes? I think you'll find that the 152 and 172 will give you close to equal visibility over the instrument panel. However, the 152 tends to fly at a higher angle of attack and the cowling can sometimes limit visibility when you're in the air.
You're fortunate in that you can fly either 152 and 172 and be "comfortable" and legal (weight-wise), as opposed to a bigger guy that wouldn't be able to make it in a 152. I would say go sit in some planes at the school that you are going to fly at. If you find that they are pretty much the same in terms of visibility over the instruments, go with the 152 and save some cash.
You're fortunate in that you can fly either 152 and 172 and be "comfortable" and legal (weight-wise), as opposed to a bigger guy that wouldn't be able to make it in a 152. I would say go sit in some planes at the school that you are going to fly at. If you find that they are pretty much the same in terms of visibility over the instruments, go with the 152 and save some cash.
09-13-2011, 06:51 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2009
Position: 127.0.0.1
Posts: 2,115
No foul in using seat cushions. One of my vertically challenged CFII's used them in a 172 and I used them in my Mooney.
Save some bucks and learn in the 152 then transition to the 172 with cushions. Don't need the "Sporty's" official TSO'd cushions either, just any thing that gets the job done for you.
Save some bucks and learn in the 152 then transition to the 172 with cushions. Don't need the "Sporty's" official TSO'd cushions either, just any thing that gets the job done for you.
09-13-2011, 08:52 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: DHC-8 SIC
Posts: 634
I am also 5'7" and been flying 172s for 2.5 years. The FBO acquired a 150 a few months ago and it was love at first flight for me! I love flying the 150. Sure it doesn't climb or cruise the way a 172 does, but it's a great way to build time and save money. It handles remarkably. For your PPL I would suggest start off by flying the 152 and then if you want you can always transition to the 172. Good luck!
09-13-2011, 09:34 AM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Posts: 122
I might add that a 172 usually will have a crank that allows you to raise or lower the seat. This usually takes care of any difficulties in seeing over the panel.
Also one more comment about sitting in airplanes on the ground. Depending on how much gas is in the nose strut, and also if the tail is tied down tight enough to be lifting the nose up higher than normal -- the view you see over the cowling when the airplane is tied down on the ramp may not necessarily be indicative of how it will look in flight or even after you just untie it and start taxiing.
Also one more comment about sitting in airplanes on the ground. Depending on how much gas is in the nose strut, and also if the tail is tied down tight enough to be lifting the nose up higher than normal -- the view you see over the cowling when the airplane is tied down on the ramp may not necessarily be indicative of how it will look in flight or even after you just untie it and start taxiing.
09-13-2011, 02:36 PM
#7
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,297
The 152 will be cheaper, it's a bit of a squeeze for me, but you should be very comfortable. Start there and save money until you have a good reason to move to a larger plane.
09-13-2011, 02:49 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Dec 2009
Position: 127.0.0.1
Posts: 2,115
you might be weight restricted if the DE is "mature" in the 152. Factor that into when to transition to the 172.
In the 152, you're basically sitting on the floor - as mentioned before the 172 has some vertical seat movement.
Fortunately, I was able to get the PPL in the cheaper 152. My "checkout" in the 172 was 3 bounces in the pattern.
In the 152, you're basically sitting on the floor - as mentioned before the 172 has some vertical seat movement.
Fortunately, I was able to get the PPL in the cheaper 152. My "checkout" in the 172 was 3 bounces in the pattern.
09-14-2011, 10:10 AM
#10
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
Originally Posted by topgun101
Thanks for the comments Guys!!!
....So sad 152s have no adjustable seats.
BTW, for short folks like me, is sitting height a big deal when it comes to flying in general ???
....So sad 152s have no adjustable seats.
BTW, for short folks like me, is sitting height a big deal when it comes to flying in general ???
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