Cessna 150
Introduced to the market in 1959, the single-engine piston Cessna 150 was and remains an efficient, affordable, and reliable civilian aircraft model. Manufactured in Wichita, Kansas, the Cessna 150 is one of the most popular aircraft ever produced. The tricycle-gear aircraft was originally available in four different versions: Standard, Trainer, Commuter, and Patroller.
While the Patroller was often used to inspect pipelines, the cockpit appointments were the main differences between the Standard and Trainer.
Over the years of 1959 to 1977, when the Cessna 150 was produced, the model experienced a number of modifications in its build.
For example, the first C-150 models were equipped with a 100-hp Continental O-200 engine, limited cargo space, and no rear window for visibility. All traits were improved upon and resolved through years of development.
Today, the Cessna 150 is renowned for its exemplary stability. As a result, over 250,000 pilots have learned to fly with the 150/152 model. For new pilots or casual fliers looking to own, the Cessna 150 is one of the most affordable aircraft you can purchase.
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Country of Origin: United States of America
Cessna 150 Statistics
Here are the noteworthy statistics for the latest Cessna 150M model. For more details and information, you can access everything you want to know about the Cessna 150 through VREF Online.
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124 mph Maximum Speed |
340 NM Maximum Range |
2 Maximum Occupants |
1958-1977 Range Of Years Manufactured |
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23,839 Total Aircraft Build |
Current Operational Aircraft |
Useful Load |
$24,000 to $50,000+ Average Sale Value |
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120 Average Days On Market For Sale |
[#] Seller’s VREF Demand Rating (Buyer/Seller/Normal) |
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Operational Resources
AOPA Ownership And Maintenance Guide
Local Resources
Manufacturer
Insurance
Cessna 150M Details
Interior
The Cessna 150M has room for a pilot and a passenger. Inside of the Cessna 150M, you can find both leather and cloth seats in the front. Matching the exterior, the interior is mostly white-matte with a touch of chestnut or black around the dashboard.
Exterior
Bright white is typically the base color of a Cessna 150M. A stripe of red, tan, blue, green, or orange marks the length of the aircraft.
A tricycle-gear model, the Cessna 150M offers exceptional ground handling.
Avionics
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Single Digital Nav/Comm
Specifications
- Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Fixed Gear
- Max Seats: 2
- Max Takeoff Weight: 1600 lbs
- Cruise: 109 Kts
- Range: 340 Nm
- Take Off Run: 735 ft
- Landing Roll: 445 ft
- Wing Span: 32 ft 9in
- Length: 23 ft 11in
- Height: 8 ft 6in
- Take Off Run (50 ft): 1205 ft
Cessna 150 Models
The Cessna 150’s design was improved upon over the years. Moreover, the Cessna 150 inspired completely different aircraft models by Cessna and is still a model the company refers to for some designs today.
150 (1958 – 1960)
This is the original model of the Cessna 150. Notably, the gross weight was 1,500 lb.
The options available were the standard 150 or the slightly upgraded “Commuter” version. However, the 1960 “Patroller” model was detailed with acrylic glass windows on the lower doors and included a message chute for parcel delivery.
150D (1964)
The 1964 Cessna 150D brought the addition of a rear window. The gross weight of the aircraft increased to 1,600 lbs and was equipped with a much larger space for baggage.
150L (1971 – 1974)
The 150L adaptation claims the longest production run of the 150 models—tubular landing gear legs with a 16% greater width than previous models allowed for superior ground handling.
Cessna Comparisons
Cessna 150 vs Cessna 152
After production on the Cessna 150 ceased, Cessna began manufacturing the Cessna 152. The aircraft first hit the market in 1977 and was intended to be a modernized version of the Cessna 150 with its trademark tricycle landing gear. Moreover, the aircraft was meant to compete directly with the Piper Tomahawk and Beechcraft Skipper.
With the 152 models came quite a few significant changes to the original Cessna 150. One of the most notable changes was the more powerful Lycoming O-235 engine that allowed for a longer time between overhaul. Additionally, the Cessna 152 made improvements to its flight performance with a faster rate of climb, higher service ceiling, and further range, all inside a lighter aircraft.
Although the Cessna 152 had a shorter production period that reached 6,628 aircraft built, over 2,500 Cessna 152 models are still in active operation.
Additionally, the Cessna 152 remains a popular aircraft for training and personal use, much like its predecessor.
However, while the price and affordability of a Cessna 152 are similar to the Cessna 150, you can expect to pay a little more for an aircraft in good condition.
Cessna 150 vs Cessna 162 Skycatcher
Produced from December 2009 to December 2013, the Cessna 162 Skycatcher is the latest successor to both the Cessna 150 and Cessna 152. A big distinction between the original two aircraft models and the Skycatcher is that the Cessna 162 is an LSA-approved light-sport aircraft.
Featuring once again a tricycle landing gear, the Cessna 162 was built for the same purposes of flight training and personal use, just like the 150 and 152. However, there is a bit of controversy around this particular aircraft model.
Notably, the 162 was produced in China to cut costs of production. But the price on delivery at $109,000 quickly increased to $149,000 in November of 2011. At the time, this placed the Cessna 162 at a higher price point than other LSA aircraft models. Additionally, much of the price increase came from adding on modifications that were once optional.
Furthermore, the production rate was much lower than anticipated. This left some customers waiting long periods of time for a delivery slot. Thus, with the price increase, and below-average performance compared to other LSA aircraft, Cessna ended production of the 162 Skycatcher.
In total, 275 aircraft were built.
Cessna 150 vs Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Developed from Cessna’s 1948 170 model, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk is regarded for its longevity and popularity. For one thing, more Cessna 172s have been made than any other aircraft. In fact, as of 2015, over 44,000 units have been built. Today, the model is still in production.
Originally equipped with a Continental O-300 engine, the Cessna 172 was a noticeably faster aircraft than the Cessna 150. Another big difference between the two aircraft was that the Cessna 150 has room for a pilot and one passenger, whereas the 172 has room for up to three passengers.
Still considered an excellent aircraft for learning with its tricycle-gear, when choosing between the Cessna 150 and the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the price and size differences are the most important factors to consider.
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Top Cessna 150 Questions
If you’re thinking about buying a Cessna 150, look through the following list of questions to find all of your answers.
Because we want to help make the buying process as smooth as possible, we thought of the most important questions to think about.
How Much Does A Cessna 150 Cost?
The Cessna 150 is one of the most affordable, economical aircraft models you can purchase. Expect costs to be around $24,000 in excess of $50,000.
How Fast Is A Cessna 150?
The Cessna 150 has a reputation for being a bit slow. The top speed for the Cessna 150 is about 124 miles per hour.
How Easy Is It To Fly A Cessna 150?
Responsive, stable, and excellent stalling make the Cessna a very accessible aircraft model for new pilots. It is often considered one of the best aircraft to train with, and as a result, the Cessna 150, 152, and 172 have trained new pilots for decades.
What Engine Does A Cessna 150 Have?
The Cessna 150 has a flat-four engine, the Continental O-200-A. The Reims 150M model (FRA 150M), however, has a Continental O-240-A.
Is A Cessna 150 A Good First Plane?
The usability, responsiveness, and stall warning of the Cessna 150 make it the perfect first plane to learn how to fly in. However, a first-time buyer should consider the number of passengers and available weight of the Cessna 150. For example, if they want to hold more people or weight, they might want to consider a Cessna 172.
Does Cessna 150 Qualify LSA?
Neither the Cessna 150 nor the Cessna 152 qualify as light-sport aircraft. This is because their maximum weight is too high.
How Much Does It Cost To Overhaul A Cessna 150 Engine?
The Cessna 150’s Continental O-200 engine is rated at 1,800 hours of use before overhaul. With this in mind, the average cost to factory overhaul the engine is about $30,000.
How Much Fuel Does A Cessna 150 Burn Per Hour?
The Cessna 150 burns through around 6 gallons of fuel per hour. For your reference, the Cessna 150 holds 26 gallons of fuel. With a long-range tank, 42 gallons.
On the other hand, the Cessna 150M holds the same amount of fuel at 26 gallons, but a long-range tank holds 38 gallons.
How Far Can A Cessna 150 Fly Without Refueling?
A Cessna 150 and 150M have a range of 340 nautical miles.
How High Can A Cessna 150 Fly?
While a Cessna 150 has a service ceiling of 15,300 feet, the Cessna 150M has a service ceiling of 14,000 feet.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Cessna 150?
The cost of repainting a Cessna 150 will depend on how much of it is repainted and the quality of the work. With this in mind, you can probably estimate anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, with $20,000 being on the high end.
Final Considerations
A Cessna 150 is a great aircraft for learning how to fly. Considering that you can typically find models in good condition for around $35,000 to $50,000, investing in a cleaner model will possibly save you costs on repair.
Above all else, the most important thing to think about is what you’re specifically looking for in an aircraft. Therefore, depending on your budget, comparing specific models is a smart way to find an aircraft that fits your needs and desires.
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