I just joined the other day, and I'm enjoying it. I'm about to start on the private pilot training path. After talking to the pilots I met around the area, most came up with the same conclusion- with rental rates being what they are, one might as well buy a plane for instruction. At $100/hr for 40 or 50 hours that money would go a long way toward purchase.
Cessnas wound up getting the most consideration since I grew up with my grandad's 1964 172E. I've gone and checked out quite a few (including a '61 175- too much trouble for a greenhorn). I've settled on a 150A as the tenative winner. Price is $11K It's being sold by a retied doctor (former Centurion pilot himself) for his son's estate. The plane has been hangared for many years, had its annual last July and has had very little flying time since. The doctor told me he had the mechanic do what ever whatever was needed non-cosmetically to bring the plane up to snuff. Much was done, as I have a copy of the logs from 1992 (the logs are complete). It has everything from a new dorsal fin to new tires and battery. Needs paint, carpet, inteiror plastic repair and rear door post plastic. The original drum DG is kaput as well. "Original" is the best term for this plane, the only added/changed things on it being updated radio, transponder, and an ADF that will have to go- as the underdash sheetmetal enclosure for the dial stabs my calf. There is a lot more I could go into on it, but I'm trying to keep the post short. Needless to say, all claims made by the seller will have to be be verified by a third party mechanic.
Nonetheless I am enthused, but trying to keep a clear head. So I've got some questions.
The engine has 3 new cylinders, the oldest having 107 hours on it, the other two having about 25 hours. Cylinder 4 has good compression. The doctor feels to bring it to MOH condition, it would need a check on the camshaft and crankshaft and the last old cylinder replaced. If that is truly all would it be considered with 107 hours SMOH? With this partial top overhaul, I'm in a quandary as to the state of the O-200.
The plane is equipped with a McCauley 1A100MCM6950 prop. According the most sources, including the Cessna brochure, the 1961 only has 5 lbs more empty weight than '62-'63's (950 lbs vs. 945). Will I get similar performance to a '62-'63 with this prop?
I'm lookiing to strip (or have stripped) the old paint on the plane. For the time being, I'd paint a primer black anti-glare panel on it as well as the N number on the wings and tail. What can be done to protect the overal bare metal? I'll likely have to wait for a hangar, if the rent is not outrageous. Later the orignal stock paint would go on it with the natural finish.
Last, the plane has 50's style Cessna rounded yokes that "hang down" from the column (it may have these because it's a early 1961 s/n, so maybe runout items form 1960?). It looks like it should have the "proper" rectangle yokes that sit on top the column, upright. I'd need these so my legs and knees will fit (I'm 6'5"). Are these easily obtained?
Thanks for time and I'm sure you'll hear some more from me. By the way, this plane is my avatar here....
Welcome to the club! There are some smart and helpful people on this forum that have helped me immensely and I hope you enjoy it as much as I. We like to joke and post pictures too!
You are smart to think about buying a plane in which to train. I will let others more in the know discuss the details of your potential purchase. In any case, I hope you find the right bird soon!
Even if owning doesn't turn out to be cheaper it makes a LOT of difference in the way you enjoy the plane. You can be more spontaneous and can keep the plane away for days at a time without worry. LuluBelle has turned out to be an expensive proposition, but I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had for anything. Owning an airplane (for me anyway) is a real love affair.
Oh...and welcome!
Last edited by Sandra_Krier; 04/29/0902:14 AM. Reason: because
If you decide to change out your panels, I am currently working on laying out these for DJ and Jared. They are metal and can be finished as is. A fake wood (or plastic) overlay, without the mounting holes, can be cut as well.
Welcome Dennis. I too started your exact same journey about 2 months ago and now have 9.5 hrs under my belt and am leaving in 2 weeks to pick up my very own C-150. While I think your direct operating cost will be much lower then renting, in the long run you will probably spend more money purchasing. But who cares you own you very own airplane.
My thought is safe pilots are ones that get to fly and for me the thought of having to schedule a rental weeks in advance just to have a chance to do some touch and gos wasn't very attractive. Good luck the transaction you have come to the right place. I am no expert, but the guys (and gals) on this forum truly know their stuff and are more than willing to help.
Again, welcome to the club! IMHO, the early "straight-tail, fastback" 150s make a lot of good sense. I've really enjoyed our 1963 150-C. You'll soon discover that being a vintage plane, it has quite a bit of ramp appeal.
Also, keep in mind that these early 150s are excellent candidates for conversion to taildragger or "conventional" configuration. The bulkheads forward of the seats actually are pre-drilled for gear fittings that were used in the earlier Cessna 140s. I've now gathered most of the parts necessary, and am hoping to complete the conversion, utilizing the STC by David Lowe. sometime this year.
Concerning your question about the fourth, older cylinder -- I wouldn't put much stock in what the doctor is telling you. Find a good mechanic who knows 150s for a proper diagnosis.
Again, welcome to the club ... I'm sure you'll find this forum very informative, as well as entertaining at times ...
I think this plane is the path to pursue right now. David Lowe, of taildragger fame did the annual on it last year and did a ton of stuff to it (thank you for helping me add that up, Steven). I have his autograph in the logbook. The doctor said David would be glad to discuss it with me. So, I'll try to set up a chat and quiz Mr. Lowe.
It's been sort of odd. I atarted pursuing flying seriously maybe a couple of months ago, awakening a desire dormant since preschool age. My grandad and I did the $100 hamburger back when it was $20- when I was 6. As I've gone along, pondering it has placed skepticism and doubt in my brain- but with each step I progress I get good- or better- news than I expect.
I'm still very deliberate, but lately I womder if fate isn't taking over...
I purchased my C-150M to learn to fly, which is what I did and sold it after 250 hours. I don't regret anything (except selling it). It does make it easier to schedule, however when it isn't working your are down until it is fixed. Only downside. Make sure that whatever you buy is airworthy and safe to fly while you are learning. Good Luck!
Congratulations Dennis! I'm also getting my private and logged my first hour last weekend. I flew with my dad growing up, until he got out of flying in '05, but now that I can get my license, he decided to get back into flying, and we also bought a 150/152 instead of renting.
You're going to make a great purchase i think, just for the sake of owning a plane, looks like a fun project to bring back to its former glory too. When we bought ours, it'd been sitting over a year from the owner losing his medical, but it was in good condition mechanically, recent paint, but dirty. After a fresh annual and good cleaning,I've flown in it with my dad about 9 hours in the first month of ownership, and we've just had the attitude and turn and bank rebuilt so far.
It's been great just going out flying in the late afternoons or weekend to little airports or anywhere, and meeting other pilots while just tinkering around in the hangar by the plane. Those kind of experiences from owning a plane makes flying even more fun i think, and hopefully buying your "new" 150 will be a great experience too .
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