Are Cessna 152's rated to safely perform intentional spins?

Question

I know this information is in the POH and trust me I would consult it before ever doing it. But I'm at home and the POH is in the airplane, and I'm curious and I guess impatienant.

Answer 1

The 152 "aerobat" is but not he 152 commuter

Answer 2

A Cessna 152 Aerobat might do a loop. Do yourself a favor, if you wanna loop a real plane, get a real aerobatic plane that's meant to do it (and learn how to do it properly). Lots of the smaller Cessna's can spin safely, but they don't do them very well because they are so stable. You'd be lucky to get more than 1 complete revolution out of them. Some people do the trick where you go full power right before entering the spin. This does cause it to simulate a tight spin, but it's not really a "spin" per se. more like an accelerated spiral. Again, if you really want to loop or spin a plane, get one that's made for it and go through the proper aerobatic training.

Answer 3

You'd need to check the POH for that aircraft. I've only flown 150's and 172's. I don't think the 150 I flew was certified for spins. i think it's just the aerobats. But, that may be different for the 152 series. And if I may comment on 'Kreugerflap's comment on having to intentionally spin an a/c to get your private certificate (it's not a license), FAR 61.105 (b) Aeronautical knowledge areas (11) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane and glider category ratings.
So, from what I can tell, there's not even any flight experience needed, just knowledge. I personally had stall and spin awareness training, and would have done spins had the a/c been certified. I think every pilot should be required to have performed at least one or two spin recoverys in their training. But, that's just an opinion.

Answer 4

The 150, 152,172's (when no passengers are in the rear seat) are approved for intentional spins....The only kind we ever want!

As far as spins being required for private pilot flight test, they are not. At one time, years ago, there was the requirement for spin training. Now days only the CFI has to demonstrate a spin. I think this is a mistake, and spin entry and recovery to a heading is a good skill for all pilots to have. The 150 and the 152 are good spinners and approved for spins. By the way, spins are technically an acrobatic maneuver, and chutes are required, unless you are a CFI.

There is talk of an AD or service Bulletin for inspection of the rudder on 150,152 related to two accidents involving spins that were not recovered because of "jammed" rudders. I think the AOPA sight has something on this. Check with your local A&P/IA and always do a good preflight.

Answer 5

Spins are not part of any required training until you start on your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. Private Pilot training does not include intentionally spinning an aircraft. This is not only false but inherently dangerous. Please do not attempt a spin in any aircraft until you have been trained by a certified instructor.

I'm sorry I can't answer your question because I don't know about the 152. I can tell you that MOST aircraft in this category and type are not spin certified without the addition of special kits. Spins can easily result in inverted flight if not done correctly and most aircraft do not have inverted fuel tanks. Additionally, the are rudder and elevator enhancements that are necessary on many small aircraft to make them controllable in a spin.

I know this doesn't necessarily answer your question but there is such a inherent danger in this topic if given false information I felt it necessary to post some answer.

Answer 6

All models of the 152 (152 and A152) and their predecessor, the 150, are certified in the Utility Category, which allows higher G-loads than the Standard category. Aircraft certified in the Utility category (unless placarded against them) are certified for intentional spins, as well as chandelles and certain other "high performance" maneuvers. Contrary to one of the earlier posts, there is no limitation on the number of spins (or turns) that may be performed in one of these airplanes). The 152 series includes two models (standard, Trainer, Commuter, II, and other marketing names) and the A152 (Aerobat, a strengthened version, with sructural upgrades including 182 wing struts, quick-release doors, seats designed for seat-pack parachutes, some stronger structural members in the tailcone, etc.) which is certified for additional aerobatic maneuvers, including rolls, loops, etc. To the best of my recollection, snap rolls are prohibited.

Answer 7

Spins are no longer required as part of pilot training, but I highly recommend that you experience them and learn the proper techniques of recovery. We taught them in everything from the J-3 Cub to the Cessna 150. They do not exert any undo G-forces on the aircraft and when recovered from properly the G-force should be no more than 2 G. Any aircraft operated with in the weight specified for utility category can do this safely. FAR's spell out what is required.....altitude, airspace, parachutes etc. Many aircraft are placard against spins in the normal category but with reduced gross weight may fall under the utility category and be approved for some additional maneuvers. I think with all the liability that exists today many manufacturers simply avoid any mention of the existence of approved aerobatic maneuvers or spins.

Thank you Jim M below for your input, some of these so called "commercial pilots" that still have the ink wet on their certificates are like old women when it comes to anything with a bank over sixty degrees.

Answer 8

Yes and No.

There are different models of the 152, which leaves your quesion too broad to be definitively answered. Go look in your POH.

To be certified, the airframe had to display power on and power off stall recovery, as well as spin recovery.

My rule is that it is impossible to be too intimate with your aircraft. Using that as a basis, if you don't know, you need to be bringing a copy of the POH home to study while you eat dinner. You can watch TV or goof off on the internet later.

JT

Answer 9

Jim M and 310 Pilot are right. You can spin just about any 150/152. Some bigger engines (ex. O-320) may prohibit intentional spins. Check the STC if you have one. As for rudders jamming, check your rudder horns to make sure they are not intsalled upside down. A simple check on your preflight should catch this.

Answer 10

Yes. I am a flight instructor and i teach spins in thatparticular aircraft. Its a lot of fun. Enjoy be safe and remember PARE.
Power-idle, aileron-nuetral, rudder-opposite direction of spin, elevator-forward to break stall