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I’ve just recently become a member of this forum, so first off, “Hello!”

I’m currently considering buying a Cessna 150L thru' a private sale, and reading thru’ the information on this forum has been very helpful - thanks all! So, I'm hoping to get some direct recommendations by posting a question as well.

The plane I’m considering buying is in Arkansas. However, I live in CT... So, are there any club members in Arkansas who can recommend an A&P they trust?

Hoping to get some leads on this forum... Cheers!

Welcome to the forum, FlyGirl. Member Jim Hillabrand lives in NW Arkansas, has owned several 150s and 152s, knows A LOT about them and other airplanes. He's a very friendly and helpful guy. He usually posts early in the morning in the Cup Of Joe thread. I'm sure he will respond to your post tomorrow morning.

Thank you, Hung. Appreciate the heads up, I’ll keep an eye out for Jim’s reply...Cheers!

Flygirl, welcome! As an owner of a L model myself, I’d say it’s a great choice! Unless upgraded to glass, it will have a standard 6-pack, just right for an instrument scan.

My experience, even after a prebuy, expect a few surprises. Cessna 150s are getting long in the tooth. They’re still great airplanes. Hung is right, Jim would be a knowledgeable person to contact. Also Ron Twente would for sure give advice. Alan Core, also. Well there are many in the club with outstanding knowledge and generosity.

If you make the deal, are you thinking of flying it home from Arkansas? That would be fun!

Geoff

Morning FlyGirl,

Welcome to the best type club on planet Earth.

As Hung mentioned, I'm here in Arkansas but I'm not a mechanic.

For starters, can you tell us where the 150L you're looking at is located in Arkansas?

Welcome Flygirl!!

The L model and up are preferred. Then the M model is even more desirable. Starting with the M model, Cessna started using Circuit Breakers (CBs) instead of fuses. I am in the St. Louis area so Arkansas is a bit of a drive. And during your first Annual will be expensive. You just can not find EVERYTHING that needs to be fixed. So prepare yourself.

Don't fall in love with the first plane you see either. A prebuy is mainly just to make sure there are no major issues with the plane. It is NOT an Annual inspection.

I notice you are in CT. Once you buy an airplane, your choice of A&Ps is also critical. My suggestion is to call Ashley and Keri at Tally Ho Aviation in Danbury.


Good Luck.

Hello Geoff, thanks for the names of some good experts. It's also great to know that you like the L model!

Agreed on the surprises - I’m trying to educate myself on the possible issues, but I expect to have something unexpected! :-)

I’m planning to get my PPL/VFR license in the plane, so unfortunately, I can’y fly it solo to CT... However, I’m considering various options - including flying it back with an instructor so I can log time, etc.

The plane I’m looking at has the standard 6 pack, and can only shoot non-precision approaches for IFR. I may eventually have to upgrade the avionics for IFR training, but I have time to ponder on avionics upgrades.. Looking forward to fun days ahead!

Cheers,
Manu

Morning Jim. Thanks for the warm welcome! Based on the quick responses and helpful advice so far, your comment on this being the best type club is spot on - glad to be part of the club!

The 150L I’m eyeing is at 2A2 currently (Holley Mountain Airpark). The owner just had an annual performed in Aug by a mechanic in Heber Springs. I'm hoping for a A&P recommendation at a different location so I can get an objective 3rd party to perform the pre-buy. Appreciate any leads you have..

Thanks very much!
Manu

Manu,

Your intent to have a prebuy exam is wise - especially as the airplane has what is called a "fresh annual." One of the sucker traps in aviation is for an owner who is trying to get rid of a junker to have it annualled by a mechanic who will sign it off although it is lousy shape. The owner then advertises it with a "fresh annual" and pilots who don't realize that the annual may have been nonsense pay more money than the airplane is worth and then pay much more money when they have their mechanic do a real annual.

Have a prebuy exam performed by a mechanic who has never had any contact with the airplane. If it goes well and you decide to buy the airplane, it's a good idea to have the mechanic turn that exam into a real annual inspection, so that you can be very confident in what you are buying.

My comments come from the perspective of retiring after 42 years as an aviation lawyer and representing buyers of airplanes that were sold to them with a "fresh annual" and/or "fresh engine overhaul" and the buyers trusted the seller and didn't have a prebuy exam performed. They got the airplane home from several states away and discovered that they were in terrible condition. They then figured out that to sue the seller, they'd have to do so in the seller's home state, which would be too expensive.

You are looking at buying one of the best airplanes ever built - you are making the right moves in assuring that the one you buy is in good condition.

Welcome to the best type club around. Hope you get the right 150 for you and have many years of joy and adventure flying it.

Hello Ron! I did consider some M models and some 152’s as well originally. However, I know the history of this particular 150L (the seller is a friend of a friend), so my interest is higher..

The seller has just finished his annual in August, I’ll be looking closely at the logs, repairs, recommendations, etc. I'll be conducting a pre-buy to increase my confidence, and I'm definitely setting aside a hefty amount to cover my annual next year.. Will keep in mind that airplane ownership comes with its share of significant and continued asks on my bank balance!

Much appreciate your A&P recommendations in CT - I sure need those as well! I’ll contact Ashley & Keri once this deal goes thru..

Cheers!
Manu