Category Archives: Cessna 172

What to buy, a Cessna 150 or 172?

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What to buy, a Cessna 150 or 172?

150 or 172 150 or 172

Interesting question I was asked.  Should I buy a Cessna 150 or 172?   A four place aircraft would be nice, but what about the extra cost?  Is it worth it?  And the question isn’t just about Cessna aircraft.  It can also be about the Piper Tomahawk (or even the Cherokee 140) and the Cherokee 180 and a number of other aircraft.  Actually, it can be about any number of aircraft. Do you want a two seat or a four seat.

Both aircraft are very similar when it comes to maintenance costs and fixed costs.  Just because the 150 are smaller aircraft doesn’t mean they are substantially cheaper to own.  If you think about the difference between these two aircraft…there aren’t many, except for size.  The four place aircraft will have a bigger airframe and engine.  But the basic components (and construction) are about the same.  The same is true with the maintenance.

The initial purchase price can be lower for a 150, but many of the older 172’s are in the same price range.  When you buy lower priced four-place aircraft, you are buying an older age, which could increase the maintenance costs.

The biggest difference will probably be in the fuel burn and the insurance cost.  The fuel burn is about double in a four-place compared to a two-place aircraft.  The insurance premium increases because of the extra liability with the two additional seats and the increase in hull value.

But really, do you really need the extra room and higher useful load?  Don’t get your wants and needs confused.  A Cessna 150 will do almost every thing a Cessna 172 will, but on less fuel and at a slower speed. I flew a Cessna 152 from Iowa to New Orleans. It was along trip, fun and kind of cramped, but it still did the job. I also know a couple that took their Cessna 150 and flew from Iowa to Mexico. They toured the country of Mexico for a couple of weeks. Never had any problems getting in or out of airports or worried about the fuel they could obtain.

And think about how many people fly with you on a regular basis.  If its just you and your dog, the 150 will be all you need.

The final decision will depend on you personal situation, but don’t give up on a good two seat aircraft if that’s all you need.

Which aircraft is best for a “wanna be” Pilot

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Which aircraft is best for a “wanna be” Pilot

Q. I am a pilot “wanna be” that attended your “Which aircraft is best for you” seminar.  After a week of seminars and walking the flight line at the fly-in, I am convinced that buying an aircraft probably makes the most sense for me.

Which aircraft is for me?  I was originally thinking of a Cessna 150 (I am the ‘stable’ personality you mention in your book with a little bit of the ‘driver’ mentality too), but I need to haul two people weighing probably a combined 430 pounds, so I think a 150 might be pushing it a bit.

I found an ad for a 1971 Cessna 172, 6300 TT, 2200 SMOH, and was looking for feedback so I wouldn’t get taken to the cleaners.

I would appreciate any help you can offer since I am completely new to this (the story of the $5,000 airplane definitely made me curious).  I do not have my heart set on any one plane, just the ‘being up there’ safely on a tight budget.  Looks are not that critical either.  I just want to fly whether it is ugly or not.

A. Nice to see you “wanna be” not only a pilot, but an owner too.

As you probably figured out in my presentations and columns, I am a Cessna 172 fan. The 172 models are one of my favorite aircraft. It is hard to buy a bad one, but there are a few considerations.  In your situation, the Cessna 150 would probably not be a good choice because of the weight requirement.  A Cessna 172 is a better aircraft especially when used as a two person and baggage machine.

The 172 costs slightly more than the 150 to own and operate, but it is still one of the most economical aircraft around and is also a great trainer.  Cessna did not reintroduce the 152 when they started back in production in 1997.  They introduced the Cessna 172 because it has more flexibility.  The 172 can perform as a trainer and a cross-country aircraft.  It offers more pilot opportunities and comfort than the 150.  The 150/152 models can perform almost all the feats of the 172, except for speed, load and number of seats.

Book prices are just a guideline.  It will probably be difficult to buy an aircraft like this for the book price, but at least it will give you a starting point.  I would think that the engine could make it a few hours more before needing an overhaul.  I would hope it would make it through your training.  In that time, you could put away a few bucks for the new engine.  Adding a lot of new equipment or new engines will not be a direct dollar for dollar recoup.  You will need to fly the aircraft a number of hours (probably 500 or more) to wear off a few of the “new” engine.

which aircraft

Dual required, what do I do?

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Dual required – what do i do?

Dual Required? I am finally buying the airplane I have wanted, but I need training.  My insurance company is requiring that I get  5 hours of dual in my new airplane.  How do I get it home if i have to do the training first?

Answer

An underwriter will require dual when he feels a pilot has insufficient make & model time to proficiently pilot that aircraft. Often, the underwriter will require dual hours and solo time prior to carrying passengers. The requirements depend on the aircraft model, landing gear and horse power. The CFI will need to meet the Open Pilot Warranty or be approved by the underwriter prior to the flight.

Many people find a local CFI and take them along to pick up the aircraft. The ideal CFI is also an A&P and can perform a brief “pre-buy” and give dual instruction all the way home.

Alternatively, you might check with the seller or the local FBO to find a CFI on the seller’s field.  You could also hire a qualified pilot to bring the aircraft to you or have the seller deliver it.

Dual required