152 vs Pilot 100i
The Pilot 100i leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 152 (introduced 1977) and the Piper Aircraft Pilot 100i (introduced 2019) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Pilot 100i carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
152 vs Pilot 100i: the key differences
- The Pilot 100i delivers 26% more range (152: 415 nm; Pilot 100i: 522 nm).
- The Pilot 100i delivers 20% more cruise speed (152: 107 kt; Pilot 100i: 128 kt).
- The Pilot 100i delivers 100% more passenger capacity (152: 2 seats; Pilot 100i: 4 seats).
- The Pilot 100i is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 1977 for the 152), a gap of 42 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 lbs versus 1,670 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 Pilot 100i 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?
On published specifications the Pilot 100i leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 152 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
152 vs Pilot 100i: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 152 or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i has the longer published range — 522 nm versus 415 nm for the 152.
Does the 152 or Pilot 100i seat more passengers?
The Pilot 100i carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the 152.
Which is faster, the 152 or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i cruises faster, at 128 kt versus 107 kt for the 152.
Which is newer, the 152 or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 1977 for the 152.
Is the 152 or the Pilot 100i the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Pilot 100i is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,670 lbs for the 152.
Should I buy the 152 or the Pilot 100i?
On published specifications the Pilot 100i leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 152 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 152 vs Pilot 100i?
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.