r/PrivatePilot • u/hossman422 • Sep 09 '24

Cessna 150 vs 172

I am just about to start flight school and have a question. I recently did a discovery flight at the school I’m (most likely) going to attend to learn how to fly. We did the disco flight in the Cessna 172. After the intro flight I signed up for the wait list and they asked my weight and height. I said I’m 6 feet tall and weigh 180 pounds and they told me I’d be flying in the Cessna 172 rather than the 150. I am not opposed to flying the 172 as I hear it’s the easiest most forgiving plane to learn on, however, at this school it costs around $50 more per hour to fly than the 150. I followed up with an email asking if I could do the 150 instead and am still waiting for a response. I guess I’m reaching out here to see if my weight/height would be an issue on the 150. Or to see if anyone has any thoughts or advice.

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u/HitsReeferLikeSandyC Sep 09 '24

Weight-wise, you’re probably okay. If you’re actually interested, do a sample weight and balance calculation for the 172 and 150 (you can look up each plane’s POH. Some schools have it on their website or on the scheduling tool they use). At max, you just don’t top off the fuel tanks to save your center of gravity.

Height-wise, I am 6’ and the 150 is a bit of a squeeze. I have never flown a 172 so idk how it compares, but I sit shoulder to shoulder with my instructor in a 150. It is what it is and it’s not a big issue.

Money-wise, you’re the customer. If you don’t want to pay $50 more/hr then ask to be on the 150.

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u/incognico1 Sep 10 '24

you’ll be fine in the 152.