Here’s my question (sorry it took me so long to get around to it ;-). Would a Cessna 150/152 with the 150 hp engine realistically be able to accomplish my mission as noted above?
Yes. But so would a stock 150/152. Denver to Chicago would not be a problem for a stock 150/152. Denver to Phoenix is possible, but would be more challenging and require taking the long way around. A 150HP 150/152 would be able to go through the mountains instead of having to go around them.
Please keep in mind I have no intention of flying into (between) the mountains at this time.
Why not? I fly my 150/150 in the mountains every chance I get. I did it just this morning. Flying in the mountains is the reason I converted my 150 to 150HP.
I would probably use a 182 for that, someday in the future, after more detailed mountain training.
I did my mountain training in my 150/150. I flew into Glenwood Springs, Leadville, and even over Mosquito Pass (elev. 13185MSL).
The 182 is a great plane for our area. There's a reason there are so many of them around. It's got a good combination of performance, range, useful load, is a stable instrument flying platform, and can easily be equipped with all the latest IFR goodies.
The 150/152 is much more limited, even with 150HP. 150HP will boost the performance by quite a bit but doesn't overcome the plane's limitations regarding useful load and range. The Del-Air conversion will increase the maximum gross take-off weight by 160lbs. but over half of that increase will be taken up by the heavier engine and propeller. Extended range fuel tanks can increase the range but at the cost of carrying other payload.
If you fly for fun, the 150/152 is hard to beat.
If you fly for business, the 182 is a better choice.
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