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.

Launched as a basic, budget version of the already simple Cessna 140, the 120 is almost identical to its compatriot. Identifiable by the lack of rear/side windows and flaps, the 120 is otherwise almost identical to the 140, and owners observe that the 140’s flaps offer little benefit, to begin with. This particular 120 has been modified with a metalized wing, which eliminates the need to periodically undergo the expensive process of replacing wing fabric at the cost of a bit of useful load.

One of the most attractive aspects of this particular 120 is the engine. What was once a basic Continental C85 has been upgraded with an O-200 crankshaft, providing a noticeable boost in performance. The engine has only 168 hours since major overhaul and has new Superior cylinders, magnetos, and a new alternator, checking some major maintenance boxes for the new owner.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1972 SOCATA MS.894A Rallye

Inside, this 120 sports custom leather seats and a simple yet logical panel layout. The original antiquated switches have been replaced with modern toggles and a push-button starter. Additional weight savings could be easily achieved by replacing the venturi-driven gyro instruments with modern digital gauges. 

A cheap and fun way to get into the sky, this docile and well-supported taildragger will provide its new owner with years of enjoyment at a price that’s little more than the engine overhaul it recently received.

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: 1948 Cessna 120 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Ownership doesn’t come much easier than in the form of a proven Cessna 172. With so many examples manufactured over the years, both parts and qualified service are easily sourced. Additionally, the flying qualities are fantastic, whether training, pleasure flying, cross-countries, or a combination of it all is the task at hand.

Built in 1965, this F-model sports the earliest engine fitted to the 172, the Continental O-300. With six cylinders and 145 horsepower, this engine has two more cylinders and fifteen fewer horsepower than later 172s. In exchange for the lower power rating, the six-cylinder is well-respected among owners for its surprisingly smooth operation and robust durability. It’s also known for powering the airplane that to this day holds the endurance record, staying aloft for a staggering 64 days.

While staying aloft for months at a time and refueling in flight from automobiles below might not be in your plans, enjoying safety and reliability between burger stops might. An assortment of intelligent modifications helps to achieve this. The vacuum system has been removed entirely, for example. In its place are two AV-30 flight instruments. 

The brakes, tires, magnetos, battery, and starter have also been replaced. Landing and taxi lights have been upgraded to LEDs. Best of all, the airframe has only 2,500 hours since new, making it markedly fresher than the vast majority of legacy 172s available on the market today.

If you’re looking for an airplane that’s unlikely to require major maintenance anytime soon, this pairing of a low-time airframe and freshly overhauled engine and propeller provides a compelling option that will likely provide decades of flying fun.

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: 1965 Cessna 172 Skyhawk appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.