Tag Archives: FAA

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.

RECORD NUMBERS AT WORLD’S GREATEST AVIATION CELEBRATION

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EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2024

RECORD NUMBERS AT WORLD’S GREATEST AVIATION CELEBRATION

Comment from EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton:

  • “This year’s tag line was ‘Inspiring the Future of Aviation’ and AirVenture 2024 certainly did that in countless ways. The mix of innovation, history, excitement, and fun that is a hallmark of Oshkosh was present throughout the grounds and made the event a memorable one, filled with numerous ‘Only at Oshkosh’ moments in the air and on the grounds.”

Attendance: Approximately 686,000 – Highest total on record! (Previous: 677,000 – 2023). Comment from Pelton:

  • “Over the past decade, and especially since 2020, we have seen AirVenture move to another level, as we maintain the heart of the event while adding programs and activities that appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all interests. Kudos to our dedicated volunteers and staff who plan and adjust to make it work.”

Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. At Wittman alone, there were 16,780 aircraft operations in the 11-day period from July 18-28, which is an average of approximately 113 takeoffs/landings per hour when the airport is open.

Total showplanes: 2,846 including: 1,200 vintage aircraft, 975 homebuilt aircraft, 337 warbirds, 154 ultralights and light planes, 82 aerobatic aircraft, 65 seaplanes and amphibians, 23 rotorcraft, and 10 balloons.

Camping: More than 15,000 sites in aircraft and drive-in camping accounted for more than 40,000 visitors.

Volunteers: Nearly 6,000 contributing in excess of 250,000 hours.

Commercial exhibitors: 861 (record number).

Forums, Workshops, and Presentations: More than 1,600 sessions hosted during the week at 65 venues.

Social Media, Internet and Mobile: More than 23.9 million people were reached by EAA’s social media channels during AirVenture, with engagement of 3.7 million; Total social media video views: 17 million (up 149 percent over 2023); Nearly 45,000 social media followers gained; In addition, more than 142,000 hours of AirVenture live streaming and on-demand videos were viewed during the event.

International guests: A total of 2,581 attendees registering at the International Visitors Tent from a record-setting 98 countries outside the U.S., a 9 percent increase over 2023. As a significant number of international visitors do not officially register at the tent when they arrive, the actual international visitor total is much higher.

The Gathering shines: The EAA Aviation Foundation’s annual event to support its aviation education programs attracted more than 1,000 people and raised a record $2.8 million dollars that will be focused on EAA’s mission of growing participation in aviation.

Media: 836 media representatives on-site, from six continents.

Economic impact*: $170 million for the five counties in the Oshkosh region (Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown). * – based on 2017 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh economic impact study

What’s ahead for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 (July 21-27, 2025)?  Comment from Pelton:

  • “We’ve already received plenty of ideas for next year and a little bit later this summer, we’ll begin reviewing what might be possible for 2025. Our annual goal is to create a gathering of people and airplanes that is found nowhere else in the world, and continue to improve the experience for EAA members and visitors.”

 

Information updates posted at www.eaa.org/airventure 

Reasons to Fly: EAA events, activities added to ForeFlight capability

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Reasons to Fly: EAA events, activities added to ForeFlight capability

Cooperative agreement brings thousands of EAA events to popular pilot database

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (June 24, 2024) — Thousands of EAA events and aviation activities are now easy to access on ForeFlight, one of the world’s most popular flight databases, via an agreement between ForeFlight and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

“Adding EAA’s more than 14,000 annual aviation events makes the ForeFlight database even more comprehensive for the thousands of pilots who rely on it for flight information,” said Ren Scott, EAA’s director of business development. “ForeFlight has always been an excellent source of flight planning and safety, but with EAA’s information it will add more reasons to fly and destinations to discover.”

The cooperative effort is now officially live, giving  EAA chapters an opportunity to update their upcoming activities on EAA’s calendar of events. That calendar will regularly and automatically be loaded into the ForeFlight database for pilot reference.

“EAA shares The Spirit of Aviation like no other organization, from mega-events such as Oshkosh to the thousands of local chapter fly-ins, rallies, and airport pancake breakfasts held every year,” said Ryan McBride, ForeFlight’s Head of Community. “This joint project with EAA will make our new capability more comprehensive and useful as it brings information on the aviation gatherings that add so much to the pilot experience.”

Local EAA events must be listed on the online EAA calendar of events to be included in the upcoming ForeFlight capability. More details on listing local events are available through the EAA chapter office.

About ForeFlight

ForeFlight, a Boeing company, is the leading provider of advanced integrated software for the General, Business and Military Aviation markets worldwide. Founded in 2007 and joining the Boeing family in 2019, ForeFlight now offers ForeFlight Mobile EFB and Military Flight Bag for pilots, ForeFlight Dispatch for flight planners, Sentry portable ADS-B receivers, and a range of additional integrated products and capabilities serving the needs of pilots and flight departments around the world. Learn more at foreflight.com.