The Cessna aircraft brand has become synonymous with small piston aircraft. Similar to their large aircraft counterparts like Airbus, Cessna has dominated their sector of the aviation industry for decades.

While the soul of a Cessna remains the same, various models have been developed over the years. Of all the high-wing piston engine models produced by Cessna, the most popular are arguably the Cessna 182, 172, and 152.

Whether you’re a student pilot interested in knowing the difference between these aircraft, or a private pilot looking to buy, this article will explain the differences and similarities of these three models.

The History of The High-Wing Cessnas

Cessna’s high-wing single-engine piston aircraft experienced a surge in popularity in the early 50s, when flying privately became accessible to the public. By the 70s, Cessna dominated the sector and produced more single-engine airplanes than any other company.

It was not all sunshine and roses, however. In the 80s, demand and production started to decrease. Production eventually stopped between 1987 and 1996.

In 1997, Cessna restarted their piston-engine aircraft production line. The first aircraft to return were the 172 and 182, and for good reason; The 172 and 182 had become extremely popular in the decades prior. The new 172 and 182 models did not disappoint and significantly improved upon the success of the older models.

In the mid-2000s, glass cockpit Garmin avionics systems were introduced as standard on the new models. These avionics systems proved to be a game-changer for the light aircraft industry, and Cessna piston aircraft once again surged in popularity.

Despite fierce competition, Cessna remains at the top of the light piston aircraft hill today, and the company has created a lasting legacy.

The Cessna 152

The Cessna 152, despite having the lowest index number between the three aircraft models, was designed and introduced in 1977, after the Cessna 182 and 172. The Cessna 152, similar to the 182 and 172, was developed based on a conventional (tricycle) gear variant called the Cessna 150.

Production of the Cessna 152 ceased in 1985, but with over 7,500 sold, many remain in service today, primarily as flight training aircraft.

A variant of the Cessna 152, called the 152 Acrobat, was designed and built as a basic acrobatic trainer. Able to withstand between +6 and -3 Gs, it is a popular entry-level acrobatic trainer.

The Cessna 152 was not intended to be a luxurious aircraft, and with only two seats, it is the smallest of the three aircraft. The aircraft’s gross weight is only 1670 pounds, which only allows for about 500 pounds between two passengers.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective aircraft to take out for a local flight on the weekends, and you only intend on taking one person with you, the Cessna 152 may be the choice for you.

You should be able to find a Cessna 152 in the $25,000 price range.

If you’re in the market for a more modern version of the Cessna 152, you may be interested in the Cessna 162 Skycatcher. The Cessna 162 was introduced in 2007 as a successor to the 152, but production was ceased in 2013.

The Cessna 172

The Cessna 172, at its core, is a larger version of the Cessna 150. The Cessna 172 is the most popular aircraft in history, with over 44,000 produced. Production of the Cessna 172 continues to this day.

With its staggering reliability, versatility, and forgiving flight controls, the Cessna 172 has been involved in training more pilots than any other aircraft in history.

The 172 was initially introduced in 1956, with the next generation 172 introduced in 1997.

The 172 is not only larger than its 152 counterparts but also more powerful. The next-generation 172, designated the 172R, boasted a 160 hp Lycoming IO-360 engine, with a focus on instrument flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).

Cessna’s success did not go unnoticed, with its main rival, Piper, debuting their competitor to the Cessna 172 – the Piper Archer III. In response, Cessna introduced the upgraded 172SP in 1998, with a 180 hp Lycoming engine. The 172SP skyrocketed in popularity, and over 90% of all new 172s produced today are the 172SP variant.

In 2004, Cessna further improved upon the 172 by including the glass cockpit Garmin G1000 avionics system as standard.

Older 172R aircraft (the late 1990s) are typically priced at $85,000, while a brand-new 172 will cost around $400,000. Mid-2000s era 172s can be found for approximately $250,000.

If you’re light on passengers and luggage, the Cessna 172 is an easy-to-fly companion for cross-country trips. When you purchase a 172, you’re purchasing an airframe that has stood the test of time, with reliability that is unrivaled in its class, even today.

The Cessna 182

The Cessna 182 improves upon the strengths of the 172 while increasing its capabilities and price. The Cessna 172 is the most popular aircraft in the world, and the Cessna 182 is its more expensive big brother.

The Cessna 182 boasts a higher speed and better high-altitude performance. The design proved incredibly popular (second only to the Cessna 172), particularly in high altitude, high-temperature areas.

The original and next-generation version of the Cessna 182 was introduced at the same time as the Cessna 172, but the design of the 182 remained essentially unchanged for 30 years between 1956 and 1987.

The 1997 version of the 182, named the 182S, replaced the old Continental Engine with a Lycoming IO-540 and improved the aircraft styling, interior, and avionics. A turbocharged model of the 182 was launched in 2001, with the glass cockpit Garmin G1000 avionics system introduced a few years after.

If your requirements are higher than the 172’s capabilities, the Cessna 182 will be a good bet. With a range exceeding 900 nautical miles, a cruise speed of 145 knots, and a useful load of over 1100 pounds, 182 is one of the most versatile single-engine piston aircraft on the market today.

A new Cessna 182 will cost around $500,000, with 2004 era models coming in at about $250,000. Furthermore, demand for the 182 remains high, and secondhand prices reflect this.

Conclusion

Whether you want to take a friend for a spin around the local airfield or take your family on a cross-country adventure, you can’t go wrong with a single-engine Cessna.

With the Cessna 152, you can have fun on a budget and make your dream of flying privately or owning your own aircraft a reality.

With a Cessna 172, you can fly a luxurious, modern, single-engine aircraft that’s forgiving and easy to fly.

With the Cessna 182, you can take your family (and their luggage) pretty much anywhere – in style.