Piper Tomahawk vs Cessna 152

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

Piper Tomahawk
For sale now
8
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
1978–1979
Cessna 152
For sale now
59
Median asking
$70,000
Range
$45,545–$117,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
19
Source marketplaces
11
Model years available
1977–1983

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)Piper TomahawkCessna 152
All events—2435
Serious—130
Fatal—255
Fatalities—386
% Fatal—10%
View full Piper Tomahawk NTSB record →View full Cessna 152 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Tomahawk Cessna 152
Piper Tomahawk
View 8 listings →
Median $46,856
View 59 listings →
Median $70,000
Price Range $34,816 – $67,511 $45,545 – $117,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats — 2
Horsepower — 110 HP
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 468 nm (867 km) 415 nm (769 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,700 ft (4,481 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,670 lbs (758 kg) 1,670 lbs (758 kg)
Useful Load — 528 lbs (240 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 26.0 gal (98 L)
Fuel Burn — 6.1 GPH (23 L/h)
TBO — 2,400 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $22,000
Annual Fixed — $15,000
Hourly Variable — $100
Engines — 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Tomahawk

Cessna 152

Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $35,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Piper Tomahawk or Cessna 152?

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 Tomahawk if…

  • Budget matters — from $34,816 vs $45,545, you save ~$10,729.
  • Longer range — 468 nm vs 415 nm.

Pick the 152 if…

  • More inventory — 59 listings vs 8.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Piper Tomahawk or Cessna 152?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Tomahawk cruises at 100 kts with 468 nm range. The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $75,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Tomahawk and Cessna 152?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp). Cruise: 100 vs 100 kts. Range: 468 vs 415 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. 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