Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Which do you pick 150 or 152?

I am getting views but no replies, so here is the poll question, 150 or 152?

The obvious answer must be that most people would chose a 150 over a 152. A lot more folks fly 150s than 152 therefore the 150 must be the best. Not so. There are a lot more 150s than 152s and many (most ) 150s cost less than a 152. I have owned both and I wouldn?t turn around for the difference.

Could be that the reason that you are not getting many answers is because you ask a very difficult question.

I am learning that what I thought would be an easy question, really isn't.

Thank you for your reply & my apologies to anyone I may have offended. I'm really looking forward to developing friendships & learning.

Thanks,
Terry

I chose a 150 for no other reason than purchase price, and I've been happy with it! I couldn't afford a 172 at the time, but now I like the 150 so much, I'd like to have both. One for fun, one for travel!

We're all here to learn, Terry! So, don't worry.

I'm fond of saying "The day we quit learning, is just before the funeral"!

Carl

All things being equal, a 152 is a slightly more capable airplane, and more "modern". (though not much different than the 150M (last model change before the 152)The flying performance gains (if any) are slight.

There are far more differences between early models of the 150 (say 1959-1965) and later models (1966-1977) than there are between the later models of the 150 and the 152's. Having flown numerous examples of both, I would have to say you should choose based on preference for style, and if you want an IFR capable airplane, a 1967 or later model for the larger standard T format panel. Also, the models prior to 1966 have much less luggage room.

I also did all my primary flight training in 172's, and always assumed I could own nothing less. When I started shopping for an airplane, I initially only looked at 172's but couldn't budget for $50K+, so lowered my search to include 152's (assumed at the time that 150's were "lesser" airplanes)

Then I happened to stumble onto a beautiful low time polished 1966 150 (it was on the same webpage as a 152 I was considering) I got a crush on the 150, which blossomed into a full blown love affair once I saw her in person. We've been married now for more than 5 years. I have to say that I'm not really bothered much by the gross weight limitations, nor even with the small cabin. If I have any complaint at all, it's in the lack of horsepower. In my view,the 150-152 really should have come standard with a 125 HP engine. This might just be horsepower itis, based on flights in 150HP upgraded 150's. In a practical way, the 100HP version has continued to be an enjoyable and useful airplane. (I've flown it from California to Oshkosh four times)

I can?t speak for anyone else but you surely did not offend me, and I seriously doubt that anyone could be or was offended by your question. It is actually a reasonable question, even if difficult to answer. I suspect that a lot of folks here have not owned both and it is therefore hard to make a reasonable value judgment. I think that if you watch all of the post you will find that we are mostly all happy with what ever it is that we are flying. (We all get upgradeitus now and again and some poor souls like Jeff and Steve acquiesce:))

You just go right on asking questions and we will do our best to help you find the answers. How would any of ever learn if we don?t ask questions.

As for me my only dumb questions are the ones that I fail to ask, man that has caused me a lot of grief in my life.

I would say there is far more difference between individual planes than between 150 and 152s as a group. How has it been cared for, oil changes, hangered, these make a bigger difference than whether it's a 150 or 152.

As a new member (I joined less than an hour ago) I'm glad to see that "no question is a dumb question"...

I joined this site for a couple of reasons, but primarily to learn more about 150s and 152s in hopes of owning one someday soon. I'm finishing up my private, and being a "proactive" person, I'm trying to get my homework done BEFORE actually pounding the pavement for an airplane.

Royson hit the nail on the head with his comments, and if anyone else can put more information in the mix I'd appreciate it. All my pilot buddies seem to think that a 150 or 152 is a waste of good money, but as I expect to be doing the majority of my flying alone, it seems that one of these birds will allow me to affordably build time and pursue an instrument rating. The difference in the initial cost and maintenance of a 150/152 vs a 172 or Archer will provide a lot of enjoyable flight time. If anyone can put their 2 cents worth in about 150/152 vs "other" airplanes, the advantages or likes about Sparrowhawks, Sporthawks and stock airplanes I will be very appreciative.

I am very sincere about learning more about these birds and the process of purchasing/owning/maintaining my own airplane. My apologies for being long winded, but I've been searching with no success for answers for quite some time, and hopefully the muddy waters will begin to clear up with help from some of our members! Thanks.

I'm a banker and have been for over 25 years now. Your "friends" comment about a 150/152 being a "waste of money" is poor financial advice at best and downright airplane snobbery in all liklihood.

My first airplane was a 150 (granted with the O-320 STC which made it interesting, but a 150 none the less). Why did I buy a 150 when I could have bought a Mooney or maybe even a Bonanza???? Because I had never owned an airplane before. My 150 educated me while building hours and did so at a very reasonable cost. In truth...ANY "non-business" airplane is a "wast of money" if you do not add the convenience and pleasure factor. Same as a Boat/Motorcycle/ and 6 Passenger 1 ton Diesel Ford pickup (which for the price, you could have 2.5 Cessna 150's).

So...tell your friend that you have sought professional aviation financial advice, and are making a sound, educated decision.

As long as you keep emotion out of the buying process, you may actually get your original investment back out of your 150 when you do decide to trade up....and you will then know what you are in for (well unless you buy a Cardinal like I did....then you are back to making stupid emotional buying decisions....but I sure love to fly that decision).

What any aircraft is "worth" to you, is directly proportionate to your "needs" (or "desires"?).

I spent years (literally) dreaming of my first plane, and weighing one aircraft's advantages and disadvantages against all the others. My needs and desires required only that I get airborne. My income required that it be inexpensive. It became a short list, so I couldn't afford to buy anything that might be a "waste of money"!

Having spent years researching my dream, I found that the more you pay for an aircraft, the more fluid the market is. When the economy sours, the more expensive aircraft is likely to loose market value, while the least expensive aircraft does not, and may even gain value. My 150 is worth a little more today than it was when I bought it!

If you require 4 seats, long range, and higher speeds, a 150/152 is a waste of money (and the price of larger aircraft is down). If you don't, anything bigger is a waste of money! What did your snobbish friends train in? LearJets?