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Thanks for all of the great advice. I am not mechanically inclined so I would have my instructor who is, check it out.

Honestly, I have never used flaps period. I am learning on a 1946 Aeronca Champ but I have been talking to alot of people since my decision to purchase a 150 and 9 out of 10 say that manual flaps are a pain, expecially flying in the cold northeast weather. I'm not rushing into anything...yet I am. I will be sure to try both mech and electric flaps before I purchase a bird so I can make my own decision.

I am looking for a 150 in the $11-13000 range that I can get 2-300 hours out of and then sell for the same. I've been informed that a plane with 7-900 hours on it would be good. If it's been a good plane for that long, it should be good through its TBO. And there is not a big difference in value between a 7-900 hour plane and a 9-1100 plane...again, as I've been told. (and see in ads)

I haven't been too concerned with paint jobs as much as engine, panel, interior condition and exterior damage. I've found a couple of planes meeting most of these requirements but the sellers are not very kind. What is it with these people? They list planes for sale but then, when I ask for the "specs" and "logs" I get "just come and look at the plane". Don't these people realize that they need to "sell" the plane, especially when I'd have to travel 1000 miles to "see the plane"?

But anyway, I will continue my search and I appreciate ALL of the helpful words.

---Frank---

Frank - you'll find that a lot of buyers think they're plane is worth more than it really is - myself included!!! LOL!!!

Seriously, there are gobs of 150's - 152's for sale out there... some better than others of course and with a pretty good difference in price.

It's been mentioned here before but bears repeating - don't fall in love with another man's airplane.

If you're looking for a bird, why not look locally? I can guarantee you'll find several that you can look at within 50 - 100 miles or so. Make it a pleasant road trip too. Also, remember that he who holds the cash holds the power. And take your time. There is NO rush.

Again...


...there is NO rush.

Ask questions here and around - get different ideas and opinions. Keep an open mind, but know what you want before you take the plunge.

Again..


...there is NO rush!

Good luck to you!!!

I guess I would question if they are referring to Johnson bar flaps like the 150 has. Can't imagine what's painful about it, or why winter would make a difference for that (though cold weather flying is something I know oh so little about - so perhaps this is a learning opportunity for me).

The only problem with manual flaps in freezing weather was sticking of the button due to poor maintenance and thick grease used. Easy fix.

This is one of those personal preference things. Either type will do the job.

Manual flaps have no flap motor, wiring, limit switches, fuses
(the slo-blo fuses required for the Cessna flaps are a bit expensive).

In other words, I believe manual flaps are simpler and might be less of a maintenance headache.

I also agree manual flaps give you instant, positive control.

All that said, the type of flaps would not be a major factor in my buying decision. I would consider other things, like airframe and engine time, avionics, and general condition.

I'll ship my passport out to a foreign country to get a visa, but I wouldn't ship my logs. I suppose, if I were selling, I might copy them into a stack of Xeroxed 8and 1/2x lls, so I could just put the stack in a Xerox for a copy of the set.

But, that said, the advice to buy local is good. Hey wait Or a known quantity, e.g. Is Tin Man's bird still available?

I agree with Tom. Buy local. I had been looking on all the different web sites shopping for a 150/152. I found my plane by just visiting airports in a 50 mile radius. One of those unadvertised things. I would just ask around if anyone knew of a 2 seat trainer for sale. Really good deal. In dealing with local folks, you can ask the people, not related to the transaction, what they thought of the plane. I'm very happy with what I have. She ain't pretty, but she flys great.

Red

Frank,
HERE'S [cgi.ebay.com] a reasonable hotrod near your neighborhood.

Lol. Thanks for keeping an eye out but it's twice what I have to spend. I found a 1972 150 commuter locally with 5500TTAF and 1003SMOH for $14k. It will need paint within a few years as it's starting to flake away but other than that, it is in pretty nice shape. How does it sound?