Jim - I bought a 1965 172F. It had just undergone a very extensive annual at G&N aircraft in Griffith Indiana. Flew up to Chicago on Southwest last Thursday and brought it home Friday and Saturday. Got a late start Friday from 05C so spent the nite in Springfield,MO.
I bought this for several reasons: The 150 was just a little too small in the cockpit for my wife and me. She just didn't really feel too comfortable in the 150 and felt confined. I was really encouraged when I landed at home base with the 172. She immediately jumped into the passenger's seat and mentioned how roomy it was compared to the 150. The seats in the 172 sit much higher up off the floor compared to the 150 and I think that helps a lot too, besides the cockpit being wider. She hasn't been flying in it yet, but I am hoping that the smoothness of the six cylinder continental will also make a difference. I'm really pleased with the engine - it is just as smooth as glass.
Also, my brother just retired from Raytheon in Tucson, Az and is moving to Conroe Tx. We haven't been able to spend any time with each other for the last 30 years, other than the occasional holiday, so I wanted to get just a little more cross country capability so we can visit more often. I can fly down there in a couple of hours instead of driving for six or seven hours.
I've all ready started my list of items to change in the coming year. I'll probably add an oil filter to the engine, and then I will remove the ADF. It doesn't work (knew that when I got it) and put my Garmin in an Airgizmo dock in the panel. Finally, something I just want, but don't really need is an FS-450 fuel flow meter. This airplane has the Horton STOL kit on it. Really lands differently from the 150 - just doesn't want to come down on final - floats forever. So, I'll have to get in several hours of T&G's to get up to speed.
