Thanks for your input. If the owner wants to sell his plane badly enough, then his brother (an A&P) might sign off on the repair - but you make a good point that an IA has to sign off as well.
The airplane has unique features which I like: it is attractive, speedier than most 150's (considering the gap seals and that it is a strightback fuselage), and that it has a zinc-chromate treatment throughout the inside airframe structure that only the factory could apply. It has a KX175B NAVCOM and a mode C xponder. But, the paperwork has to be correct and straight or it is no go. As for emotions, yes a first airplane is emotional. If I tried to justify it on cost and practicality alone, I would not buy any airplane and neither would many other individuals.
At any rate, another airplane came up for sale which I will also look at. It is a 1976 Aerobat with less than 2000 TT and 250 since major. It is priced just $2500 more than this older 150. The catch: paint is faded and dull and the interior is worn (I'd rate both a 4-5, and they are original) so the plane will need a new paint job and re-done upholstry soon. I could accept this as long as this Aerobat is a solid, airworthy aircraft that has no damage history and is otherwise well cared for.
Steve
