Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes New flier, new buyer

Hello Matt and welcome from another PNW flier. Your log in information to the Hangar section is different then to the Forum. For the hangar section use the membership number that you have been given. And use your zip code for the password. Check your PM's for I have sent you a message with our contact information if you would like to chat airplanes with somebody "local."

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Matt,

Glad you found us over here. When you find a candidate you are interested in from purely a "looks" perspective, bring the info on the plane here and we will all chime in with things to look for. As for mechanics...can't help you up in the Puget Sound area, but Willie at Lake Chelan Aero is pretty good and honest and knows 150's (he has a beautiful example that he restored a few years back).

As noted....corrosion is the big issue with most older birds. This means pulling panels, looking, under/inside things, condition of the paint, glass, upholstery. There is a lot you can do.

The best advice I have seen from this group is to find a "buying buddy". An experienced aircraft owner to go with you to look at planes. One who will separate emotion from reality.

Good luck with it.

Matt, if you find the "perfect" plane for you, except the radio, you can always get a replacement TKM flip-flop and slide it in. Make yourself a list of "must haves" and "want to have" items, then proceed and enjoy the process. Let the fun begin!

Ken gave good advice! I bought my 150K before joining the club, and got lucky (I didn't know much about them, and didn't have the collective skills and knowledge available to club members on the forum). What we all NEED is a good solid airframe and reliable engine and that is most of what you'll pay for. Examine year model features in the Member's Hangar to determine what features you do or don't like (determine a year model target range that interests you). That basic need can be had at an unbelievably reasonable price if you're willing to wait for the right opportunity! Everything else should fall into your WANT list, brand and model of radios, good cosmetics, etc., and determines what additional price you're willing to pay. Assign each WANT a priority and rate the airplanes you find accordingly. Somewhere between the basic need and everything you think you want is a compromise that you can afford and live with. Different folks have different needs and priorities that will differ from your own. Some buyers rate cosmetics (paint and interior plastic, etc.) very high on the list and are prepared to pay top dollar for it, while other's just want something reliable that will fly (ME!). Examine each suggestion and determine for yourself what priority it rates on your list, if at all. Buy the most airplane and features you can afford based on your priorities.

Another suggestion you may want to consider, Matt. And that is to list what you are seeking and put out a want ad. Like in Barnstormers. Both of our airplanes came to us without ever being officially put up for sale.

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Welcome to the club Matt! You'll find some expertise here that can't have a price, because its priceless - most everyone here has been where you are at and where you are headed.

And the friends you will make through the 150/152 club are the kind you keep for life. It's a special place.

Good luck on the search and congrats on that first solo! wow!

Robbie "putt putt" Culver
Naperville IL

Carl and Ken: You have inspired me! Ok I like that. I have no idea what it costs to get a used radio, or what trays are interchangeable. Is the whole panel non vendor specific (I find that hard to believe)? Obviously a Michel won't fit where one of those old analog radio dial ones is...

But yes. In the end, a solid airframe and engine is all I really care about. So I already know what I'd pay "extra" for over a basic engine/frame... I just don't know what airframe year/model, except the best for the least..

From reading the hangar stuff I trade speed for useful load. But really what's a few knots and a few pounds?? Nothing to me.

Welcome Matt,

I purchased my airplane last November (has it been nearly a year already?!) Mine was 800+ miles away and it turned out OK. The trip home was great.

The right airplane is out there, hang tough!

Hi Matt,

Here is the link to my 150 for sale and it is close by.

http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_462566_Restored+Cessna+150.html

Matt:

Good luck in your search. I bought my 150 from my nephew. I got lucky (real lucky) and got a good one. I am a newbie here too, but welcome to the forum none the less.