The Cessna 152
Since its first delivery in 1977, Cessna have built more than
7,500 aircraft. Built to compete with the Piper Tomahawk and
Beechcraft Skipper the Cessna 152 became an instant hit with
flying schools and clubs. It is worth noting that only 312
Skippers and 2,484 Tomahawks' were made, only a fraction of
Cessna's output. This gives the
idea that the C152 was a sensation with flying organisations.
Sadly, in 1984 Cessna stopped production of the C152 but it
remains a favourite of many a pilot.
Today, many C152 are still in service with civilian and military
operators. With a cruise speed of 90knots and a ceiling of
14,700ft it is easy to see why the C152 still remains in service
26 years after Cessna stopped production. In 2007 Cessna
announced the development on the C162 which is hoped will
succeed the C152.
Installation
I downloaded the Carenado C152 from Just Flight, with a download
size of 41mb, the download was fast and efficient. Not long ago,
Just Flight introduced a new unlock system which makes unlock
codes obsolete. All you have to do is enter your account email
address and password and you have instantly unlocked the
product, a great improvement.
The actual installation itself was just as simple. All you have
to do is confirm that the files are going to the correct place
in the default FSX folder and click next. After installing the
product it's time to have some fun!
Flying the C152
After installing the C152, I found it difficult to locate the
aircraft but it is resolved by selecting Carenado in the
aircraft manufacturer drop-down menu. Below you can se the
variations offered.
 |
 |
Flight dynamics
Carenado say that their C152 was developed with real world data
and the help of pilots. And I have to believe they did. The
accuracy is second to none and as I am training in the C152 so I
understand how it should feel. I used to fly the Just Flight C152 that
came with Flying Club X but, for me, that has some performance issues
which Carenado's model doesn't. The aircraft even begins to
rotate as you approach 55 knots, this is accurate to real world
operations.
2D Cockpit
This is the area where Carenado lose marks for me. Instead of
using the newer black panel, they have opted for the brown and white panel. Although I don't like the colour, it is
redeemed with a nice little feature which if you click on the
instruments they become enlarged. This is extremely useful when
trying to mimic real word procedures. I found the layout
was very
accurate to the real C152.
 |
 |
Virtual cockpit
Moving from the 2D panel to the VC, the pure quality is plain to
see. Carenado have stayed consistent and modelled the
instruments in exactly the same position as the 2D panel. Also,
they have added the correct instruments on the right side of the
plane. I can't criticise the VC as it is as near the same as
it is in the
real world aircraft.
Exterior modelling
I have left the best until last here. It is plain to see that
Carenado have spent many hours and days modelling the exterior
and it has paid off. It is so good even the rivets have been
modelled to perfection. The developer has modelled the engine
cowling and fuel caps as well which just that bit extra to the realism.
Carenado haven't forgot about detailing the major parts like the flaps and
elevators as these are also made superbly. I was also pleased to
see that the creep mark was also added.
Verdict
I
What I like:
Quality of the exterior model
Quality documentation (which includes Checklist and Performance
charts)
Definitiveness of the 2d panel and VC
What could be improved:
Colours of the 2d panel
Overall mark:
It is obvious
that Carenado take great care and attention when developing
general aviation aircraft and the time they put in allows
simmers to enjoy the realism they deliver. I must
compliment Carenado for the accuracy they providing with
much needed high quality general aviation add-ons.
It has been a pleasure flying and reviewing Carenado's excellent
Cessna 152. Overall, a fair mark would be 9/10.
/Edward Longe
  |
Minimum System Requirements
|
|
|
|