Cessna 152 vs Piper Tomahawk
The Piper Tomahawk (PA-38) and Cessna 152 are the two classic two-seat primary trainers — the Tomahawk has a roomier cabin and more spin-demonstration character; the 152 is the docile, ubiquitous training standard.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 152
- For sale now
- 59
- Median asking
- $70,000
- Range
- $45,545–$117,000
- Model years available
- 1977–1983
Piper Tomahawk
- For sale now
- 8
- Model years available
- 1978–1979
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 | Piper Tomahawk |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2435 | — |
| Serious | 130 | — |
| Fatal | 255 | — |
| Fatalities | 386 | — |
| % Fatal | 10% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Piper Tomahawk |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $45,545 – $117,000 | $34,816 – $67,511 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 112 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 468 nm (867 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 13,000 ft (3,962 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 550 lbs (249 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 6.0 GPH (23 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
Piper Tomahawk
Fuel$33/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Piper Tomahawk?
Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 152 for the most forgiving handling, the largest fleet and the deepest trainer support. Choose the Tomahawk for a roomier cabin and a livelier trainer that some instructors prefer for genuine stall/spin awareness — accepting a smaller fleet.
Pick the 152 if…
- More inventory — 60 listings vs 10.
Pick the Tomahawk if…
- Budget matters — from $34,816 vs $45,545, you save ~$10,729.
- Longer range — 468 nm vs 415 nm.
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 Piper Tomahawk and Cessna 152?
Both are two-seat side-by-side trainers with similar engines, but the Piper Tomahawk (PA-38, Lycoming O-235-L2C, 112 hp, 2 seats, low-wing, fixed tricycle gear, T-tail, ~103–109 kt) uses a low-wing T-tail design, while the Cessna 152 (O-235-L2C, 110 hp, 2 seats, high-wing, ~107 kt) is high-wing. Both use the same engine family; the handling differences are the primary distinction.
Piper Tomahawk or Cessna 152 — which trainer?
Buy the 152 if: the world's most supported two-seat trainer with universal A&P access and maximum flight-school availability define the choice. Buy the Tomahawk if: low-wing T-tail training experience, Piper lineage, and hands-on exposure to low-wing aircraft before progressing to a Cherokee/Warrior are priorities.
What is the T-tail's effect on training?
The Tomahawk's T-tail places the horizontal stabiliser above the main wing's wake, giving it a distinct — and at times abrupt — stall character. This was debated in training circles; some instructors prefer the 152's more conventional stall for primary students, while others value the Tomahawk's sharper stall demonstration and its T-tail experience relevant to some transport aircraft.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 152: O-235-L2C (110 hp), 2 seats, high-wing, ~107 kt. Piper Tomahawk PA-38: O-235-L2C (112 hp), 2 seats, low-wing T-tail, ~103–109 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 152 is less expensive — a larger fleet, universal A&P knowledge, and global parts availability. The Tomahawk has a smaller fleet and some Piper-specific parts considerations. Both use similar O-235 engines, so fuel burn is comparable.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 152 for primary training with universal support and the world's most common two-seat trainer infrastructure. Piper Tomahawk for low-wing T-tail training — a useful progression before a Cherokee — in schools that specifically offer it.
Which is better, Cessna 152 or Piper Tomahawk?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The Tomahawk cruises at 100 kts with 468 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $89,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Piper Tomahawk?
152 engine: LYCOMING O-235 (110 hp).
Cruise: 100 vs 100 kts.
Range: 415 vs 468 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.
Tomahawk: 2 seats / 550 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data