This 1977 Cessna 152 Is a Souped-Up, Versatile ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1977 Cessna 152.

Trainers may not be known as the most exciting airplanes, but a student pilot’s first flight tends to be among the most memorable. As a result, many pilots have fond recollections of the Cessna 152, which has been a staple at flight schools and in flying club fleets for decades.

Over the years, the two-seat model, which is an upgraded version of the earlier Cessna 150, has developed a following among pilots who appreciate its simplicity, easy and forgiving flight characteristics, and economical operation. The type is a frugal time builder for pilots pursuing aviation careers. It also served well as a traveling machine for one or two people looking to save significant time compared with driving. The aircraft is also adept at accessing short fields.

The aircraft for sale today gives me pleasant flashbacks from my first flight lessons during summer 1988.

I was flying from Leesburg Municipal Airport (KJYO), also known as Godfrey Field, in Virginia with a family friend who was a CFI. Those flights, about 10 hours’ worth, were thrilling. In those pre-SFRA days we practiced pilotage under Washington, D.C.’s vast Class B shelf and VOR navigation across the Virginia and Maryland countryside.

The airplane’s cruise speed of roughly 80 ktas might have been modest, but it felt fast to me. 

This 1977 Cessna has 4,303 hours on the airframe and 490 hours since overhaul on its 125 hp Lycoming O-235-L2C-M engine and Sensenich propeller. The engine has undergone a Sparrowhawk conversion for a boost from the stock 110 hp. The aircraft has a useful load of 457 pounds and is equipped with shoulder harnesses.

The panel includes a BendixKing KX 200 com radio, Garmin GTX 327 transponder, uAvionix tailBeacon, ADS-B Out, Cessna ADF, and engine analyzer.

Pilots looking for an economical aircraft for training, building time, commuting, or taking longer trips should consider this 1977 Cessna 152, which is available for $74,500 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

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• FLYING Magazine: I Learned About Flying From That: 18,300 Feet in a Cessna 150
• FLYING Magazine: AOPA Introduces ‘Reimagined’ Cessna 152
• Plane + Pilot: Reunited With The Cessna 152 Aerobat I First Soloed In
• Plane + Pilot: Incredible Plane: Cessna 150
• Plane + Pilot: Cessna 150/152
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Cessna 150/152