Cessna 152 vs Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER
The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer and Cessna 152 compare a modern, ultra-economical composite trainer against the classic metal trainer benchmark.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 19
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
- For sale now
- 13
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 4
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 2012–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 152 | Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | 6 |
| Serious | 130 | 1 |
| Fatal | 255 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 386 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 10% | 17% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Pipistrel Alpha Trainer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,545 – $117,000 | $65,183 – $222,666 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Light Sport |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 108 kts (200 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 324 nm (600 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 1,213 lbs (550 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Pipistrel Alpha Trainer
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER?
Bottom line: Choose the Alpha Trainer for the lowest training operating cost (Rotax, ~4 gal/hr) and a modern airframe; choose the Cessna 152 for certified ubiquity, easy financing and a proven training network. Alpha = economy/modern; 152 = ubiquity/certified. ================================================================ # Pipistrel Velis Electro — electric trainer ================================================================
Pick the 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $65,183, you save ~$19,638.
- Longer range — 415 nm vs 324 nm.
- More inventory — 59 listings vs 15.
Pick the ALPHA TRAINER if…
- Faster cruise — 108 kts vs 100 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2013 vs 1977.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.