Originally Posted by Tar Heel
Airframe total time is 5400 hours, and about 1525 hours SMOH. Last major overhaul was in the mid 90s, so it's only put on 1500 hours in the last 20 years.

Edit: Also meant to ask about average engine overhaul cost. I figure I would have 300-500 hours left on the engine in current state, but please let me know your thoughts!


The average owner flies a 150-152 about 50 to 100 hrs per year. So 1500 hrs in 20 yrs is not out of the norm.

The Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of the O-200 Continental engine in a 150 is 1800 hrs. You'll likely face an overhaul in 3 years. Overhaul cost varies depending on whether it's a field overhaul done by local mechanic or a factory-quality overhaul done by a well-known shop. The lowest cost will be about $12K, and the highest cost will be over $20K.

If I were you, I would look for a plane with about 800 hrs left before the engine reaches TBO. That way, you'll have some time to save up money for an overhaul. Unless you already have money available to do an overhaul within the next 3-4 years.

The club's membership data base shows member Joseph Folsom is in South Carolina. Maybe you can send him a Private Message (PM) by clicking on Send PM while viewing his profile and see if he can assist you in checking out the plane. You'll see a blinking flag near the word "My Stuff" at the top of the screen if he replies to your PM. Click on the flag to read the PM.

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