Since its introduction in 1958, it has been a main staple of the flight training fleet, and nearly 24,000 examples were built until it was discontinued in 1977. Accordingly, parts availability and easily sourced maintenance expertise are virtually unmatched in the general aviation fleet. To owners of less common types, these benefits are not insignificant.

Among the various 150 subtypes produced over the years, this late-model example is visually defined by its modern-looking swept vertical stabilizer and large rear windows. This compares to earlier models that had large, straight vertical stabilizers and a “fastback” design that provided no rearward visibility. Early 150s also offered less volume in the storage area behind the two seats.

While relatively modern touches abound here, most of the features for which 150s are known and loved remain. Massive Fowler-style flaps with a maximum setting of 40 degrees enable short, steep approaches, the flight controls are fingertip-light and precise, and the published 122 MPH cruising speed comes at the cost of less than 6 gallons per hour.

This particular 150 has 5,860 hours on the airframe and 964 hours on the engine since major overhaul. The modern paint job is said to be in good condition and is sharper than much of the 150 fleet. The included wheel pants offer a few additional knots of cruise speed along with good looks.

The seller has not hesitated to invest in the maintenance of this 150. A new exhaust, flap motor, tires, and battery have been installed, and both the magnetos and carburetor have been overhauled. It includes complete logs, and has been owned by the same family for the past 33 years.

Inside, the interior has also been well maintained. The plastic interior trim is in decent shape, and the seats have a nice, retro look that is well-matched to the exterior paint. While it lacks some of the more advanced avionics available today, the panel is clean and intact – far nicer than the sloppy, crudely modified panels found in many 150s.

For an economical, easy-to-own airplane that works well as a trainer or as a fun escape to fly-ins and $100 hamburgers, this 150 will likely provide its next caretaker with many years of great flying.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1946 Erco 415-C Ercoupe

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance and quickly calculate your monthly payment using the airplane finance calculator. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com. 

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1975 Cessna 150M appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Designed for extreme operating efficiency, the diminutive Mite has only one seat mounted within a snug cockpit with a bubble canopy. Everything about the Mite is small, including the tiny retractable landing gear and the 65-horsepower Lycoming engine. But as the saying goes, small hinges swing big doors, and if you’re lucky enough to fit inside, you can expect to enjoy a 125 mph cruising speed. That works out to a stunning 2 mph per horsepower. Throttle back to 2450 rpm, and it returns a similarly stunning fuel burn of around 3.5 gallons per hour.

The long, thin wing of the 520-pound (empty) Mite performs equally well at low speeds. Original Mooney marketing material lists a stall speed of only 43 miles per hour, a takeoff distance of 290 feet, and a landing distance of 275 feet. Empty weight is listed as approximately 520 pounds, with a gross weight of 850 pounds. With a 15-gallon fuel capacity, useful load is approximately 240 pounds.

Any aircraft with a wooden airframe demands care and attention, and the Mite is no exception. Fortunately, this example was thoroughly rebuilt in 1997 and is in annual. Interior and paint are reportedly very good, and while the panel is relatively simple, it’s also tidy with a logical layout.

Few aircraft types offer the combination of economy, speed, and exclusivity as the Mooney Mite. And with only 94 actively registered on the FAA registry, few aircraft types will turn as many heads at fly-ins as the Mite.

• Learn more about the Mooney Mite here.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com. Calculate your monthly payment using their airplane finance calculator.

Editor’s note: To view a great air-to-air photo of the plane submitted by a previous owner, Cliff Tatum, visit this site and scroll to June 2017.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1951 Mooney M-18 Mite appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Pilots interested in a classic cross-country machine with vintage style should consider this 1969 Cessna 172K Skyhawk, which is available for $72,900 on AircraftForSale.

The ubiquitous 172 offers a number of ownership advantages. Parts are among the most readily available of any aircraft type, and qualified maintenance technicians intimately familiar with the type are easily located. These factors, combined with a relatively low 3,957 airframe hours and only 157 hours on the engine since major overhaul, position the new owner for many years of trouble-free flying.

As a 1969 K-model 172, this particular aircraft is equipped with a four-cylinder Lycoming O-320 as opposed to the six-cylinder Continental O-300 of previous Skyhawks. A Power Flow exhaust increases horsepower a bit over the standard 150, adding some pep. The propeller was overhauled at the time of the engine overhaul and likewise has only been flown for 157 hours since. 

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy modifications on this Skyhawk is the Horton STOL kit. Incorporating an extension of the leading edge and stall fences on top of the wing, this kit provides a reduced stall speed and better low-speed handling than an unmodified 172. Owners report improved short-field performance – not just during landing but also during takeoff.

Inside, much of the panel is original but is arranged in a logical manner. The radios are neatly stacked in the center of the panel, which should make future upgrades relatively simple and straightforward without the need to cut a new panel and change the layout. A uAvionix tailBeacon provides ADS-B out duties, and the interior is described as in good condition overall.  

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1969 Cessna 172K Skyhawk appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Pilots interested in a classic cross-country machine with vintage style should consider this 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza, which is available for $64,500 on AircraftForSale.

With the classic V-tail and the small triangular third cabin window, this Bonanza is unmistakably one of the early models but has been updated with a more contemporary paint scheme. Claimed to have always been hangared in a dry climate, the presence of corrosion is less likely than in other examples. To remove any doubt, the seller will provide a fresh annual inspection to the new buyer when the sale is complete.

The VFR panel is relatively basic in function, but what it lacks in IFR capability, it makes up for in retro style. Both the panel and glareshield are color-matched to the exterior paint, and the classic polished piano keys have been retained to maintain the airplane’s original, authentic aesthetic. While the radio stack is modest by modern standards, the radios and transponder are arranged in a neat stack that is more straightforward to update compared with other aircraft types. 

Under the cowl, this Bonanza’s 6-cylinder Continental has been updated with a 60-amp alternator to handle the addition of future electrical equipment or accessories. The engine has 925 hours since major overhaul, and the original propeller has been replaced with a hydraulic Hartzell, making future maintenance and parts sourcing far easier.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Pilots interested in a unique taildragger with economical operating costs should consider this 1976 Beechcraft B19 Musketeer Sport, which is available for $64,995 on AircraftForSale.

Unlike earlier model years, the 1976 B19 Musketeer Sport featured here offers two cabin doors, easing cabin access. Like all Musketeers, it is equipped with plush trailing-link main landing gear that smooths out all but the harshest touchdowns and worst runway surfaces. While outwardly similar to a Piper Warrior, it is both larger and taller with ramp presence that becomes evident when the two types are parked side-by-side.

While the 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320 provides relatively modest power, its 2000-hour TBO bests many other engines. With only 1,273 hours since major overhaul, the new owner of this Musketeer can expect many years of use before reaching TBO. Until then, they can enjoy peace of mind knowing that this engine has good compressions and has had oil changes every 25 hours. In addition, oil analysis reports are availableforo review.

• READ MORE: Beechcraft Musketeer Sport II

With 5,246 hours on the airframe, this Musketeer is well-used, but it has also been fastidiously maintained. Always hangared with complete logs (viewable on aircraftforsale.com) and no corrosion, the current owner has replaced the landing gear’s rubber “donuts” that provide shock absorption. They have also upgraded the landing and strobe lights with modern LEDs and are including a 22-pound aft ballast weight the new owner can install to improve the center of gravity during most flight operations.

Inside, the IFR panel is very cleanly arranged with a freshly overhauled GNS430, a Bluetooth audio panel, and a Stratus ESG transponder, providing ADS-B in and out. The airplane has no known damage history and appears to be a bargain, near the very bottom of our PlanePrice Beta pricing analysis.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1976 Beechcraft B19 Musketeer Sport appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Essentially a larger version of the Piper Vagabond, the Clipper is a small fabric-covered taildragger that was originally equipped with the 115-horsepower Lycoming O-235. This example has been upgraded to a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320. Although the Clipper’s lack of flaps might be somewhat limiting on extremely short strips, the additional power combined with a low empty weight of just over 1000 pounds ensures little runway will be required for takeoff. Cushy, oversized 8.50 tires are an ideal choice for rougher surfaces.

• READ MORE: PIPER PA-15/PA-17 “VAGABOND”/PA-16 “CLIPPER”

Inside, the Clipper differs from most other aircraft. One of the few types that combines control sticks with side-by-side seating, it provides classic stick-and-rudder flying without subjecting your companion to a view of your back. It does, however, also provide a back seat for an additional passenger or a pile of gear. The clean, uncluttered panel sports a smart assortment of upgrades, such as a digital com radio, an intercom, digital engine instruments, and a panel-mounted Garmin GPS. An integrated iPad mount ensures you won’t have to fumble with suction cups or less-reliable tablet holders.

This Clipper also provides peace of mind, with a low 2,200-hour airframe time and only 400 hours on the engine since the last major overhaul in the 1990s. The seller reports perfect compression and has all logs available upon request. Additionally, a set of sealed wing struts has eliminated the requirement to perform ongoing, repetitive airworthiness directive inspections. Finally, the seller is including a set of vortex generators to make the already responsive controls even more crisp. 

Pilots interested in a unique vintage aircraft with economical operating costs should consider this 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper, which is available for $55,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

1965 American Champion 7ECA Citabria

It just looks like fun sitting there on the ramp. The Citabria (that’s “airbatic” spelled backwards) speaks to pilots who want to test out their skills in aerobatic flying, or just have fun flying low and slow with friends into grass strips. American Champion is still making the series, but the original offers up a good deal for the right pilot.

This 1965 Citabria comes with its last Poly-Fiber recovering accomplished in 2002-2004, with rebuilt wings and a new wood spar in 2004 as well. The aircraft has 1,173 hours on it, with the Continental O-200 clocking 837 hours since major overhaul. The seller says it’s flown 48 hours in the last 6 months, making it far from a hangar queen. It has a uAvionix skyBeacon for ADS-B compliance.

For an asking price of $45,000, this Visalia, California-based tailwheel star can be yours.

READ MORE: American Champion Citabria, Super Decathlon, Scout

Interested in more deals like this? Check out AircraftForSale.com and our new PlanePrice feature that gives you a window into the opportunities that are out there.

Need help financing your dream? Visit our professional team at FLYING Finance for the best way to back your aircraft acquisition plan.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1965 American Champion Citabria appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

1979 Beechcraft Skipper

The 1970s boomed in general aviation, and each of the major manufacturers—Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft—jumped in with a two-seat training aircraft that echoed their house style. While Piper had the Tomahawk, and Cessna the 150, Beech made a stately entry with the BE-77 Skipper.

The Skipper was set up for both private and instrument instruction with a reasonable panel at the time. This California-based 1979 model hasn’t seen much additionally since those days, though it does have a SkyBeacon for ADS-B compliance. The Skipper has 2,370 hours on the airframe and 250 hours since its major overhaul in June 2023, when the annual was also completed.

We’ve rated it a fair deal in our PlanePrice beta test at $69,500.

READ MORE: Beechcraft Skipper

Interested in more deals like this? Check out AircraftForSale.com and our new PlanePrice feature that gives you a window into the opportunities that are out there.

Need help financing your dream? Visit our professional team at FLYING Finance for the best way to back your aircraft acquisition plan.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1979 Beechcraft Skipper appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Cessna introduced the follow on to its 206 with the 210 in 1960, retaining the struts of its predecessor to make it instantly discernible from its later strutless brethren on the ramp. The early models retained the IO-470 engine at 260 hp, but with plenty of oomph to perform well in a variety of missions.

This classic 210 comes with only 119 hours SMOH on its engine, but stands ready for a panel upgrade, befitting its bargain status. Based in Placerville, California, the 210 has 5,086 hours on it, and 1,076 pound of useful load to work with.

Rated a good deal, it’s priced at $74,500.

READ MORE: Cessna 210 Centurion

Interested in more deals like this? Check out AircraftForSale.com and our new PlanePrice feature that gives you a window into the opportunities that are out there.

Need help financing your dream? Visit our professional team at FLYING Finance for the best way to back your aircraft acquisition plan.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1960 Cessna 210 Centurion appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

1959 Piper PA-22

While not the Tri-Pacer noted in the heading of the listing (that would be for the tricycle-gear version), this Piper PA-22 offers low-cost tailwheel fun for the pilot attracted to its sunny personality and approachability. With 3,381 hours on the airframe and a high-time engine, it’s ready for some attention, though compressions are reported to remain in the 70s.

In the instrument panel, there’s a BendixKing KY-97A VHF com radio, KN-53 VHF nav unit, and KT-76A transponder, plus an EGT gauge. The annual was last completed in June 2023. The aircraft paint is in good condition, as is the interior, according to the seller. Another plus? A spin-on oil filter has been installed, along with new bungees in 2023.

READ MORE: 1952 Piper PA-20 Pacer

It’s priced now as a good deal at $39,900, and based in Oregon.

Interested in more deals like this? Check out AircraftForSale.com and our new PlanePrice feature that gives you a window into the opportunities that are out there.

Need help financing your dream? Visit our professional team at FLYING Finance for the best way to back your aircraft acquisition plan.

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1959 Piper PA-22-150 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.