Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Early 150's vs Late MOdel 150's

I'm new to the club and joined because I am looking in to possibility of purchasing a 150, which will be my first step into aircraft ownership. I prefer the B model through E model for various reasons but they are all older then me so I am worried about the cost of owning one. My question is this, are the early model planes more expensive to own? Or am I correct in thinking they all are about the same, it just depends on the condition of the plane.

Thanks you

Chris

Chris,

G'day,

Firstly, Welcome to the club, you're one a winner being part of this group.....

OK, the last part of your statement is correct.... it all depends on the condition of the plane. The only thing I would say however, is that the later models are easier to get parts for, so keep that in mind also when looking at a purchase, not saying you can't get bit's for older models of course, it just might take you a little longer to source them as such, plus for that reason, you might find them a little more pricey on the day.

Having said all that, no matter what you get, the on going cost will be approximately the same provided that you bought correctly in the first place.....remember, condition of the aircraft overall is the important thing, not it's age

So again, welcome to the club, your first step in joining this group has already been the right one, and will put you in a good position to make the best choice when the time comes to making the purchase down the track, don't be afraid to ask for help, and of course there is no such thing as a stupid question. There is an abundance of knowledge and experience amongst the members and you should take advantage of their experiences to ensure you don't end up wishing you never got into aviation in the first place.

Another suggestion, if you have not already done so, would to be buy Mike Arman's book - Owning, Buying or Flying the Cessna 150/152, you can buy it from the club store for 26.95 + P&H, again, another important investment prior to making your aircraft purchase

Anyway, Good luck to you, I and everyone I am sure wishes you all the best as you go forward to find you dream aircraft

Cheers

Chris!!!

Matt hit it on the head. It all depends upon the condition of the bird.

You've already made several of the toughest decisions so far by determining the type of bird you want (150) and the model (B thru E). So now it's a case of cherry picking from what's available.

I'm no expert by any means, so please don't take me wrong as some crotchety old sage. But first, take your time. There's no rush to buy. Don't fall in love with a bird. If someone tries to force you or rush you into something, RUN!!!! Ask questions, no matter how small and trivial they may seem. Get an impartial mechanic to conduct a pre-purchase inspection. Tell him to nitpick because once you own the bird, you also own all it's issues, good and bad.

Settle on the buying process before you commit. Meaning, decide in writing who pays for what, what the price is, terms, so on et al. The AOPA has an absolutely magnificent sample purchase agreement on the website. If you're not a member, join, simply for the amount of assistance and information available there. You've made a really smart move by joining this Club. It's the best anywhere - with the expertise, experience and information available. The price? A question.

If you plan on upgrading the bird to your dream 150, it helps to have a head start. meaning, if you want IFR capability, you'll spend more if you pick up a VFR-only bird with no radios then have to install/replace/improve as you go along verses buying one already decked out. Obvious point admittedly, but often overlooked.

In short, get a bird for what you intend to use it for. If you're looking for speed, look elsewhere. But if you're looking to get in the air and gaze down upon the ground-bound masses with a grin on your face as you sail along at 90 to 100 mph at 3500 feet on a CAVU day for about as cheap as it gets, well, you've scored the grand slam.

Good luck and welcome!!!

If I were a big pilot, I'd look for 150G or later because of slightly wider room at the shoulders (bowed doors?). I also think parts would be more readily available, too.

Thanks All,

I have to admit I have never been in a 150 or a 152. Yes, I know it's hard to believe considering I learned how to fly less then 20 years ago. The speed of the 150 is fine, as I plan on just puttering around the sky after work, day VFR with no place to go. I'm tall but skinny so I should fit.

First thing I did when I started to consider buying was to buy Mike Arman's book. It's a good read but left me wanting more information. Which is a good thing. Now I am trying to figure out how to tell a good plane from a bad one. I guess my next stop will be joining AOPA and find a local mechanic who I can talk to and get to do pre-buy inspections when it comes to that.

I have been reading every thing I can get my hands on including Charle's Early Cessna 150 inspection tips web page. As well as this clubs Forum. My take on the ownership cost really depend on how much the previous owner spent taking care of it not on the age or model.

I'm sure I will have more questions as I learn. Being new to the club, can someone tell me where on the forum is the best place to ask these types of questions?

Thank you

Chris

Does anyone know if you have to pay yearly property tax on a plane in California? I do know you have to pay sales tax when you buy one.

Chris

YES! As sure as the sun rises in the east!