Where I worked many years ago we had 5 152s, 3 of them aerobats. One of the Aerobats VH-RYI flew differently to the others, seemed to have slightly different attitudes and a bit more aggressive stall characteristics. We had the rigging checked numerous times, and found nothing different to the other two. Then there was VH-JBV that always felt under-powered, found out it had an alternate carburetor fitted that lost 2 or so HP, but apparently doesn't affect book figures enough for it to be documented. So even within a group of the same type there can be variation to be careful of. We did for a short time have two 150s on line, and whilst looking similar they had traps even for normal operations, like the extra stage of flap that turns it into a Stuka and less power, which doesn't go well with the speed brake hanging out. After a few students reported 'near death' experiences on selecting full flap we advised students not to use flap 40 unless familiar with its effects, especially if there's a chance of going around.
PS we were provided with the 150s in a pinch saying that there was little difference between them and 152s. In the days of CAA flight manuals and such, so pre having the POH on every flight or even available in a current copy, other than purchasing one yourself.
Last edited by 43Inches; 18th Aug 2022 at 12:11.