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 · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 64
- Median asking
- $69,250
- Range
- $45,000–$114,750
- Model years available
- 1977–1986
Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER
- For sale now
- 12
- 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
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Pipistrel Alpha Trainer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,000 – $114,750 | $66,355 – $239,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Light Sport |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 80 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) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 1,213 lbs (550 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 4.0 GPH (15 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Pipistrel Alpha Trainer
Fuel$22/hr
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.
Pick the 152 if…
- Budget matters — from $45,000 vs $66,355, you save ~$21,355.
- Longer range — 415 nm vs 324 nm.
- More inventory — 61 listings vs 12.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer and Cessna 152?
Modern European LSA vs global training standard. The Cessna 152 (O-235-L2C, 110 hp, 2 seats, aluminium, ~107 kt) is the world's most common two-seat trainer with universal support. The Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer (Rotax 912ULS, ~100 hp, 2 seats, composite, low-wing, ~100–105 kt, LSA-category) is a modern composite LSA trainer — lower fuel burn, composite construction, used widely in European flight schools.
Pipistrel ALPHA or Cessna 152 — which trainer?
Buy the Cessna 152 for universal training infrastructure — any flight school, any A&P, the most common two-seat aircraft in the world. Buy the Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer if: LSA-category training, Rotax engine economics, composite construction, and European flight-school integration are priorities. In North America, 152 support dominates; in Europe, both are viable.
What are the Rotax engine advantages?
The Rotax 912 family used in the ALPHA runs on mogas as well as avgas — a significant operating cost advantage where mogas is accessible. It also runs cooler and has different maintenance intervals than the Lycoming O-235. Rotax specialists are common in Europe, less so in North America.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 152: O-235-L2C (110 hp), 2 seats, aluminium, high-wing, ~107 kt. Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer: Rotax 912ULS (~100 hp), 2 seats, composite, low-wing, ~100–105 kt, LSA.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The ALPHA's Rotax on mogas can deliver lower per-hour fuel cost. However, in North America the 152's O-235 parts and labour network means lower maintenance cost overall. In Europe with mogas access, the Pipistrel's operating economics can be better.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 152 for universal two-seat training with the deepest global support network. Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer for LSA-category training at potentially lower fuel cost — particularly in European markets with Rotax service infrastructure.
Which is better, Cessna 152 or Pipistrel Alpha Trainer?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The Alpha Trainer cruises at 108 kts with 324 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $63,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
Cruise: 100 vs 108 kts.
Range: 415 vs 324 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: about $100/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
152: 2 seats / 528 lb useful load.
ALPHA TRAINER: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data