Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER vs Cessna 152

The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer and Cessna 152 compare a modern, ultra-economical composite trainer against the classic metal trainer benchmark.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER
For sale now
13
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
4
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
2012–2026
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)Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINERCessna 152
All events62435
Serious1130
Fatal1255
Fatalities1386
% Fatal17%10%
View full Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER NTSB record →View full Cessna 152 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Pipistrel Alpha Trainer Cessna 152
Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER
View 15 listings →
Median $75,659
View 59 listings →
Median $70,000
Price Range $65,183 – $222,666 $45,545 – $117,000
Category Light Sport Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats — 2
Horsepower — 110 HP
Cruise Speed 108 kts (200 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 324 nm (600 km) 415 nm (769 km)
Service Ceiling — 14,700 ft (4,481 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,213 lbs (550 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

Pipistrel Alpha Trainer

Cessna 152

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

Which Should You Buy: Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER or Cessna 152?

Bottom line: Choose the Alpha Trainer for the lowest training operating cost (Rotax, ~4 gal/hr) and a modern airframe; choose the Cessna 152 for certified ubiquity, easy financing and a proven training network. Alpha = economy/modern; 152 = ubiquity/certified. ================================================================ # Pipistrel Velis Electro — electric trainer ================================================================

Pick the ALPHA TRAINER if…

  • Faster cruise — 108 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2013 vs 1977.

Pick the 152 if…

  • Budget matters — from $45,545 vs $65,183, you save ~$19,638.
  • Longer range — 415 nm vs 324 nm.
  • More inventory — 59 listings vs 15.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Pipistrel Alpha Trainer or Cessna 152?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Alpha Trainer cruises at 108 kts with 324 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?
Pipistrel Alpha Trainer: from $145,000. Cessna 152: from $75,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Pipistrel ALPHA TRAINER and Cessna 152?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp). Cruise: 108 vs 100 kts. Range: 324 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