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I cringe when I hear pilots comment about the lack of range or endurance in a 150/152! Are you guys afraid of heights, or what?

Yup.


Poobs - "Dang Gary - we've gone 50 miles. Think we better stop for gas?"


Rivetgun (thinking) - "Wonder how many rounds it'll take to put 'im outta his misery?"

Not me! I like altitude. In addtion to more range, it gives you more options in case of a problem. Well, most problems. The view is nice, too.

It takes more fuel to get up there, though.

I knew that one was coming!

That's true, so it's not efficient for a short flight, but we're talking about cross-country! You make up the difference in higher altitude economy and a long reduced-power descent, if the flight is long enough! I can routinely make 3.5 hour flights in a 150 or 152 with standard tanks, cover nearly 400 miles, and land with plenty of reserve in the tanks, flying at 7,500' or higher! I've done it several times!

I have a 2.5 hour butt. After that it's time to get out and stretch the legs.

I recently saw a few newer LSA's with 1,000 mile range going around 105-110mph. I wonder why they put that sort of range capability in those things. Who is going to fly for 9 hours or so????

Easy....members of the iron butt club.

(Actual club: they fly 2' off the ground on motorcycles.)


Jim

I like the 'low routes' myself because, also, of the view.

I was talking, recently, with a retired ag pilot who still flew a Pawnee as his personal aircraft. His rationale: No one pays any attention to an ag plane flying at treetop level.

Also, MY personal 'range' is about two hours - forget about the six or seven hour non-stop trips!

Man , I hate it when somebody thinks of something for I do !

My "Druthers" on X-country altitude preferences are............If I'm just trying to get there for times sake .....I go high ...............If I'm flying "for the joy of the journey" ..........I usualy try & stay low low & lower !

Roger that! 2.5 hour butt and bladder. I fly for fun and relaxation. As we all know getting there is half the fun. I've been asked several times by other pilots "why do you fly a 150". My standard answer is "because I can". My son is a FO for a feeder line. When he comes home his first priority is to take Silverlining up for some "real flying". Ain't it grand!

Now I know what the world needs -- a homebuilt 3/4 scale Piper Pawnee! 27' span instead of 36', 18.5', Geo Metro engine... fly "Altitude at discretion."