CFI scared of 152s.

[CrimsonEclipse]

Got my private in C-152/150 (I prefer the 150 with the continental)
They saved me $20/hr back in the day. There's a piston swap that
get's an extra 20hp out of her, and then it's a wonderful flight.
Even better solo (or with a hot woman)

C-150/152 $39/hour wet (back then). No more dangerous than a 172.

Someone put this guy in a Pa-28-161 so he doesn't need to risk having
to being a pilot. (if you can think of anything more docile, feel free to
update me)

CE

 

[Airway]

Heyas,

Look, I can only tell you about my experiences with the 150/152s. Your's are apparently different. Properly maintained, I prefer primary training in it as opposed to a larger aircraft. Then again, I'm not that tall or large. If I had a student that was obese, that obviously changes the picture. But there are good and bad examples of each breed at almost every airport.

First and foremost, if you feel that the maintentence and/or condition of the 152 is not up to snuff, then don't fly it. Heck, if you don't want to fly it because you are uncomfortable for any reason, then don't fly it, especially with students (they pick right up on that stuff).

OTOH, If you think the condition of the airplane is unairworthy, and your issues are not fixed, then I suggest that you call 1-800-fly-safe, and leave an annonymous message to the FAA. They are bound by law to investigate all complaints. They will send a MX Inspector out and red tag the aircraft if the inspector feels that it is unairworthy.

But you need to ask yourself if the maintenence on the 152 is bad, what about the maintenence on the other aircraft? Is this a problem with just this aircraft or the entire fleet?

Nu

I suppose I am looking at the situation out of frustration with my own FBO's situation. They never fix the problems. Things will be constantly written up, I'll even be told its fixed or replaced, but I'm not stupid I know when I'm looking at the same f*cking CDI that hasn't worked for 2 years. Or the radios that are hit or miss. It's business, baby.. right?

Or maybe it's the number of times I've lost a newbie because half the time, the radios don't work or something fell off the damn airplane. The best? The spark plug that was pretty much completely gone because it should have been replaced ages ago.

I haven't had these problems in the other airplanes as much as with the 152s. Coupled with that, though, I really just am a little uneasy flying something so small. I just feel like I'm wearing wings and that the airplane is too easily manipulated by gentle air currents. It's just a feeling of vulnerability. Whatever the reason. There it is. But I don't show fear in the airplane. I'm ok when I get into the plane. It's when I get out and go home and think about it that I get uneasy.

But, I guess that's just part of the gig. Then there was the time in one of the new 172s I put the flaps up one notch on a go around with a student and the damn thing stuck on the motor and proceeded to take all the flaps out and I had to force the lever down again so we wouldn't hit the ground. Thankfully I was glancing at the indicator as the flaps were moving..of course I was. I've been writing that thing up for months.

Lest we forget the sqwawk that I caught that had been there for a few days. "Engine quits at Idle." Plane was still available to rent. Guess they were hoping no one would look?

Thanks for that number, btw.

And no this isn't a joke. And I should have rephrased. I'm not "scared." I'm more just uneasy. That's all.

 

[Cat Driver]

I really can't make up my mind if this thread is serious or if someone is just having some fun here.

Think about it.

CFI

Afraid of a Cessna 152.

Naw, it's someone making a joke.

Cat driver

 

[AeroBoy]

C-150/152s are about as docile an airplane as they come. If you want to be scared of anything, try landing a Cessna 177 Cardinal--it's the squirreliest airplane I've ever landed. You might as well not even make any control inputs on landing because it's going to just do whatever it wants. Now that's some scary sh1t...

 

[Kream926]

I suppose I am looking at the situation out of frustration with my own FBO's situation. They never fix the problems. Things will be constantly written up, I'll even be told its fixed or replaced, but I'm not stupid I know when I'm looking at the same f*cking CDI that hasn't worked for 2 years. Or the radios that are hit or miss. It's business, baby.. right?

do we work at the same place?

Coupled with that, though, I really just am a little uneasy flying something so small.

so whats your idea of a big plane? a 767? you remind me of that lady i sit next everytime i go home on an RJ and she tells me that shes scared of these "little ones". my usuall response is too contain my laughter and smirk and say me too.

I just feel like I'm wearing wings and that the airplane is too easily manipulated by gentle air currents. It's just a feeling of vulnerability. Whatever the reason. .

and a 172 or pa28 isnt "manipulated" by air currents? wearing wings? i dont know to many fighter jocks but the one i did have a convo with who flew an A10 told me thats the reason he loves it. you strap it on your back and go.
you need to quit your bitchin and accept the career that you have chosen. you need to change your tampon, use some vagisil or just get outta aviation of you're that uneasy. go get a jonny job at Mcdonalds, but dont forgett to tell them in advance that you cant work the grease fryer cause you feel "uneasy" of the hot grease.

 

[Airway]

do we work at the same place?



so whats your idea of a big plane? a 767? you remind me of that lady i sit next everytime i go home on an RJ and she tells me that shes scared of these "little ones". my usuall response is too contain my laughter and smirk and say me too.



and a 172 or pa28 isnt "manipulated" by air currents? wearing wings? i dont know to many fighter jocks but the one i did have a convo with who flew an A10 told me thats the reason he loves it. you strap it on your back and go.
you need to quit your bitchin and accept the career that you have chosen. you need to change your tampon, use some vagisil or just get outta aviation of you're that uneasy. go get a jonny job at Mcdonalds, but dont forgett to tell them in advance that you cant work the grease fryer cause you feel "uneasy" of the hot grease.

Wow, I wish I had balls like you do, big chief. I know several guys who've been in aviation for longer than you've been alive who refuse to step back into singles--any single. It's not because they don't have balls.

767 is a big plane, but that's not what I meant. 152 is a solid plane, I am sure, but in my experience, they look like deathtraps. Suffice to say, I will admit it may just be b/c of my experience. I'm not the only instructor there who refuses to fly certain aircraft on the fleet.

It's too bad I remind you of an old lady and you think I'm a wimp. Lucky for me, I don't give a sh*t what you think.

I'm not uneasy with aviation. Do you know how to read? Maybe the college grad. requirement is good. I said I was uneasy in, and only in, 152s. What is it with you. If you're that quick to jump the gun to insult someone and show everyone your huge cajones, you'd make a great captain.

 

[iflyabeech]

HAHA, Anyone else taken off with a seat belt hanging out the door!? Scared the crap out of me once when I was a student! (It bangs really loud with a little airspeed!)

 

[Kream926]

Willie is that you?

i dont have big balls, just a big....uhhh, brain....

where do you work i wish i can pick and choose which airplanes (or Aeroplanes in the JAR world) i will fly in the as a CFI

 

[CFIcare]

If you can find a 152 Aerobat...not a 150 because the 152 has a little more hp...you will have a blast. I have probably over a thousand hours as a CFI, specifically in the 152. I taught in all the usual stuff, but the 152 was the primary bread and butter airplane. Yeah the doors are flimsy and the feeling of not having a whole lot under you is different (especially if you are used to the 172, Pipers or a Cirrus which will really spoil you.) Give it a chance though. It is extremely manuverable, and more forgiving in a loss of power scenario than a Piper. I know the little Lycoming engine seems like a lawn mower, but those things are tough as nails. I never had any major issues in all my time in them. Maybe a fouled plug or a bad mag. We had some pretty tired looking 152s on the outside...as in paint, interior, avionics, but the engines were constantly inspected, repaired and overhauled when needed. I would think any school in compliance with FAA regs would be the same. The paint and cloth don't mean anything to me. I've ridden in aesthetically beautiful, mechanically horrifying airplanes quite a few times.

The biggest event we ever had with our 152s was when one took off headed across the bay and threw a rod. Oil blew all over thhe windshield, but darn if that engine didn't keep chugging on 3 jugs all the way across the water ( a good 6 miles or so) until finally it ran out of oil. It made it and landed just offshore. Everyone was fine.

As a CFI I found people were sometimes intimidated by the larger, heavier 172 and while skeptical about the 152's flimsiness in comparison, they seemed to gain confidence in controlling the aircraft faster in the 152. Landings came easier, and generally people soloed a few hours earlier, as least from what I saw.

Like I said before...if you can find an Aerobat 152 and someone who can instruct you in it....you'll love it. It doesn't have the horsepower of the fancy aerobatic airplanes, so you learn about maximizing potential energy with just enough juice to make it fun.

 

[Airway]

If you can find a 152 Aerobat...not a 150 because the 152 has a little more hp...you will have a blast. I have probably over a thousand hours as a CFI, specifically in the 152. I taught in all the usual stuff, but the 152 was the primary bread and butter airplane. Yeah the doors are flimsy and the feeling of not having a whole lot under you is different (especially if you are used to the 172, Pipers or a Cirrus which will really spoil you.) Give it a chance though. It is extremely manuverable, and more forgiving in a loss of power scenario than a Piper. I know the little Lycoming engine seems like a lawn mower, but those things are tough as nails. I never had any major issues in all my time in them. Maybe a fouled plug or a bad mag. We had some pretty tired looking 152s on the outside...as in paint, interior, avionics, but the engines were constantly inspected, repaired and overhauled when needed. I would think any school in compliance with FAA regs would be the same. The paint and cloth don't mean anything to me. I've ridden in aesthetically beautiful, mechanically horrifying airplanes quite a few times.

The biggest event we ever had with our 152s was when one took off headed across the bay and threw a rod. Oil blew all over thhe windshield, but darn if that engine didn't keep chugging on 3 jugs all the way across the water ( a good 6 miles or so) until finally it ran out of oil. It made it and landed just offshore. Everyone was fine.

As a CFI I found people were sometimes intimidated by the larger, heavier 172 and while skeptical about the 152's flimsiness in comparison, they seemed to gain confidence in controlling the aircraft faster in the 152. Landings came easier, and generally people soloed a few hours earlier, as least from what I saw.

Like I said before...if you can find an Aerobat 152 and someone who can instruct you in it....you'll love it. It doesn't have the horsepower of the fancy aerobatic airplanes, so you learn about maximizing potential energy with just enough juice to make it fun.

Yeah. I'm thinking I'll get used to it.

 

[RoundMotor]

Airway,

I love those little airplanes, One of the finest mounts to come from Kansas. I personally feel that its one of the funnest airplane built. I have built and restored several airplane including 150/52's they are fine airplanes. I an asure you that they are well built.
Also lawnmover engines?, the O-235 and O-200 are bullet proof engines. the only thing that could harm one is negelect. bacis maitenance that engine will run well over TBO.

Dont take this the wrong way but if you are concerned about flying something you consider a death trap. I would suggest another career choice. Barber College?

Warmest Regards
RoundMotor

 

[C77MD80]

I'm a little anxious about flying 152s, and let's not b.s. each other, pretty much every 152 out there is a pile of sh*t. They're old, they're often not well maintained, and you're not going to make it out alive if you bounce too hard.

Anyways, any way to quell these fears or am I the only one on here that feels this way.

Dude, that's like being afraid of a tricycle!

 

[midlifeflyer]

The only time I've ever been scared in an airplane was in a 150152. I will not teach in one. But, of course that's in Colorado where the little power plant feels much, much smaller. I have no problem with them at sea level airports.

 

[Airway]

Jesus. You guys are a hot bunch. I guess not all 152s are like ours. Kind of figured most of them were because we have several that are all the same.

In any case, for whatever reason, I didn't think the Cub was scary. I thought that was fun. Or the Citabria. Felt fine in all of those. It's really just the 152. But whatever, I guess it doesn't matter. Since all of you Chuck Yeagers out here know how it's done and I should probably just cut up my certificates because I apparently don't.

Shouldn't have asked.

 

[coloneldan]

I was told by an engine overhaul facility owner that the engine in the 152 was designed for a 3000 hour TBO. The FAA or insurance or somebody wouldn't let them publish that. A 152/150 is smaller than a 172, but if your 152 is getting bad maintenance so will your 172/Cirrus/Bonanza/Baron/Kingair/Citation/Falcon/747/Spaceshuttle/Volkswagon, if you're getting the maintenance done at the same place. Bad maintenance isn't the fault of an old aircraft.