152 vs 162 Skycatcher
The 162 Skycatcher leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 152 (introduced 1977) beside the Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the 162 Skycatcher has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
152 vs 162 Skycatcher: the key differences
- The 162 Skycatcher delivers 13% more range (152: 415 nm; 162 Skycatcher: 470 nm).
- The 162 Skycatcher delivers 5% more cruise speed (152: 107 kt; 162 Skycatcher: 112 kt).
- The 152 and 162 Skycatcher are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 2 seats.
- The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1977 for the 152), a gap of 33 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 152 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,670 lbs versus 1,320 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 152 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the 162 Skycatcher when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 152 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 162 Skycatcher holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
152 vs 162 Skycatcher: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 152 or the 162 Skycatcher?
The 162 Skycatcher has the longer published range — 470 nm versus 415 nm for the 152.
Which is faster, the 152 or the 162 Skycatcher?
The 162 Skycatcher cruises faster, at 112 kt versus 107 kt for the 152.
Which is newer, the 152 or the 162 Skycatcher?
The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1977 for the 152.
Is the 152 or the 162 Skycatcher the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 152 is the larger aircraft — 1,670 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 152 or the 162 Skycatcher?
Choose the 162 Skycatcher when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 152 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 162 Skycatcher holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 152 vs 162 Skycatcher?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.