I own one of a each, a C152 and 172 Hawk XP (wobby prop etc). If you can fly the 152 you can fly the 172 with ease. The numbers are virtually the same for approach. The 172 is a very stable platform and perfect for instrument flight. When mine comes back from it's annual in a couple of weeks it will also returning with a full Garmnin IFR mode S fit. Very exciting!