The Cessna 152 POH is the handbook every student flying a C152 will reference throughout their training. If you’re training at Aces High — or anywhere else flying a C152 — this is the handbook you’ll be referencing throughout your training. It covers everything from normal and emergency procedures to performance charts, weight and balance, and systems descriptions.
We’ve made the 1981 Cessna 152 POH available as a free PDF download below. It’s the same handbook used in our fleet. Whether you’re preparing for your first lesson or working toward your checkride, having a solid understanding of your aircraft’s systems and limitations is one of the best investments you can make as a student pilot.
Quick Reference — C152 V-Speeds
| Speed | Value |
|---|---|
| Vso — Stall speed, landing configuration | 35 KIAS |
| Vs1 — Stall speed, clean | 40 KIAS |
| Vr — Rotation speed | 50 KIAS |
| Vx — Best angle of climb | 54 KIAS |
| Vy — Best rate of climb | 67 KIAS |
| Vg — Best glide | 60 KIAS |
| Vfe — Max flap extension | 85 KIAS |
| Va — Maneuvering speed (1,670 lbs) | 104 KIAS |
| Vno — Max structural cruising | 111 KIAS |
| Vne — Never exceed | 149 KIAS |
V-speeds shown are for the 1981 C152 at max gross weight. Always verify against your specific aircraft’s POH and weight & balance.
Weight, Balance & CG Limits
The C152 has a max gross weight of 1,670 lbs and a useful load of approximately 589 lbs (varies by aircraft).
CG envelope:
- Forward CG limit: 31.0 inches at 1,350 lbs, shifting to 35.0 inches at 1,670 lbs
- Aft CG limit: 36.5 inches at all weights
Weight and balance must be computed before every flight. Your instructor will walk you through this during your first few lessons — but getting familiar with the numbers early doesn’t hurt.
Fuel capacity: 24.5 gallons total (24 usable)
Towing: Maximum nose wheel deflection for towing is 30 degrees either side of center.
Emergency Procedures — The Ones Worth Memorising
The POH covers emergency procedures in full, but these are the ones your instructor will quiz you on early.
Engine failure after takeoff
Best glide: 60 KIAS. Pick your landing spot first, then troubleshoot. Don’t try to turn back to the runway unless you have significant altitude.
Engine failure in flight
Airspeed 60 KIAS. Carb heat on. Check fuel selector, primer in and locked, mixture rich, magnetos both. If no restart, pick a field and declare emergency.
Electrical fire
Master off. Vents open. Land as soon as possible.
These are not a substitute for working through the full emergency section of your POH with your instructor. Read it. Know it.
Flying the C152 at Aces High
Our C152s are well-maintained, frequently inspected, and flown by students at every stage of training — from first solos to instrument currency flights. All of our Cessna 152s are based at Long Beach Airport (KLGB) and flown daily. The C152 is where most students start — it’s economical, forgiving, and a genuinely good aircraft to learn in. We have nine C152s in the fleet, so availability is rarely an issue.
If you’re looking to start training, or you’re a current student with questions about your aircraft, feel free to reach out.
Other Aircraft Resources
- Our Fleet — full breakdown of every aircraft in the Aces High lineup
- Rate Sheet — current aircraft and instructor rates
- Resources — all study materials and references