Is it possible to do a full loop on a Cessna 172 or 152?

Any records in history? Or has somebody here done it? Is it even possible?

Is it possible to do a full loop on a Cessna 172 or 152?
Before an answer, please understand that it is absolutely true that anyone who would attempt to teach himself/herself aerobatics has a fool for a student and for a teacher. Aerobatics can only be learned properly from a trained instructor.





It is most definitely possible to loop a 152 or 172. The issue of "enough power" is no issue at all. For proof, check out Manfred Radius, who performs a wonderful airshow aerobatic routine in a sailplane. (First link below.)





There need be no structural issues either. The 152 is certificated in the Utility category, as is the 172 when properly loaded. In the Utility category, they're approved for spins. A properly executed loop need not place any more stress on the airframe than pulling out of a spin. (The Utility category typically allows up to 4.4 Gs, and a loop can be done at a maximum of anywhere from 2.5 Gs to 3.5 Gs.)





Of course, an improperly performed maneuver could overstress either of these airframes, but it could also overstress even an Acrobatic category aircraft. This is why training is important in aerobatics, as improperly performed maneuvers can cause a rapid buildup of speed and consequent rapid buildup of airframe stresses.





Alongside the 150 and 152, Cessna produced an Acrobatic category version, called the 150 and 152 Aerobat. It was approved for barrel rolls, snap rolls, aileron rolls, loops, immelmans, and cuban eights. Amelia Reid flew an airshow routine in a 150 Aerobat. William Kershner, author of many good pilot training books, teaches aerobatics in a Cessna 152 Aerobat. (See second link below.)





As I mentioned, the barrel roll is approved for the 150/152 Aerobat. A good barrel roll can be performed as a positive-G, coordinated maneuver all around. There is a wonderful airshow performer, Bob Hoover, who flew an aerobatic routine in a Shrike Commander (twin-engine business plane), part of it with the engines shut down. (See the third link below for video.) The video includes a portion in which he flies a roll (something between an aileron and a barrel roll) while pouring a glass of iced tea. If the Shrike commander can do it, the 152 or 172 could.





But, again and finally, don't try to teach yourself this stuff. Ask whether you think a person could learn to land the airplane with no instruction. (The answer should be no.) Aerobatics is harder than landing.
Reply:Also note, gravity-feed fuel...When you are upside down, its a no-no. Report It

Reply:Neither of the Cessnas you mentioned are rated for aerobatic maneuvers, and attempts should be avoided because the g forces involved may cause damage to the structure of the aircraft. Some earlier model Cessna 150's were certified for limited aerobatics, but I doubt if it had the power (or the inverted fuel system) to do a full loop.





If you want to do aerobatics in a small airplane, try a Citabria. They can be lots of fun!
Reply:Not possible to pull it off "intentionally" --- however if you want to stare death right in the eyes, that would be one sure fire way to do it - assuming your wings dont rip off from the unusual stress level that a loop would generate.





It's not even powerful enough to pull a loop. Those planes would reach a certain apogee in the climb, stall, and then tumble wildly out of control for a few thousand feet.








Oh, and I'm not a pilot, but I play one on Microsoft Flight Simulator :)
Reply:They don't have the power, and the structure is not strong enough to support that g-force. So that's a NONO situation. If it doesn't have the power to let you pull up to 90 degrees pitch angle, the plane will stall out, and drop tail first, and ends up possibly as a spin. When the structure is weak, same thing will happen, but maybe you'll spin to the ground with only one wing.
Reply:I'm afraid if I answer this question truthfully some idiot will go and try it. SO DON'T EVER FRIGGIN TRY THIS UNLESS YOUR AIRCRAFT IS PROPERLY RATED AND YOU RECEIVED ADEQUATE TRAINING.





Yes of course it is possible. Normally as you go into the loop, you pull back on the stick, then relax pressure at the top (this is where everything feels almos weightless) and then pull again as you round out. That is the down and dirty of a loop. It is up to the pilot how tight the loop they degree bankhow many g's they pull. I have done loops ranging from 1.5 g's to 5.5 g's. Most Cessnas are certified to anywhere from 3.8 to 4.4 g's. So if you were to pull 2 g's (like in a 60 degreebank turn) and not relax tacceleratedssure at the top, the loop would be oblong but you wouln't loose the engine due to oil and fuel starvation because everything in the airplane including fuel and oil would still be accelarated in the direction of the bottom of the aircraft at twice its weight. Look up boein products such as 707 doing the barrell roll. That is impressive. Don't try it.





Oh, yeah... no of course its never been done...... yeah right.



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