Cessna 150

The Cessna 150 is a two-seat tricycle gear general aviation airplane, originally designed for flight training. The 150 was offered in the Commuter basic model and the aerobatic Aerobat model (produced in limited numbers).

Cessna 150 history

The 150, first produced in 1959, was a successor to the popular Cessna 140. Most were powered by the Continental O-200 100 hp (75 kW) engine, but 216, produced by Reims Aviation under Cessna license in France, had a Rolls Royce/Continental 0-240A engine of 130 hp (97 kW).

The 150 was finally succeeded by the Cessna 152 in 1978. Cessna 152s were much more economical to operate for flight schools due to the increased TBO (time between overhaul) of the improved Lycoming engine. Late model 150s and 152s are almost identical except for the engine.

Production

Cessna 150s were produced from 1959-1977.

• 22,138 C150s were built in the US (21,404 Commuter, 734 Aerobats).
• 1,764 C150s were built by Reims in France (1,428 Commuter, 336 Aerobats).
• 47 C150s were assembled by a Reims affiliate in Argentina (38 Commuter, 9 Aerobats).

Cessna 150 facts

• More pilots have flown Cessna 150/152s than any other single model of airplane.
• Many 150s sell for 2 to 3 times their original sale price, even after inflation adjustments.
• One can buy a used Cessna 150 for about US $20,000 as of 2004.
• They burn about 6 US gallons/hour (23 L/h) of fuel.
• Can be modified to burn auto gas- however, this is not unique to this type of aircraft.
• The average annual inspection for a Cessna 150 costs around US $1,000.
• A semi-aerobatic trainer version of the 150 exists. While its structure is stronger than the standard model in a number of ways, these are not apparent from the outside. The only obvious external sign, apart from the paint scheme, is a quick-release mechanism for the door hinge pins.

Specifications (1977 Cessna 150)

General characteristics

• Crew: one pilot
• Capacity: 1 passenger
• Length: 24 ft (7.3 m)
• Wingspan: 33 ft 4 in (10.2 m)
• Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m)
• Wing area: 160 ft² (15 m²)
• Empty: 1,111 lb (504 kg)
• Gross: 1,600 lb (726 kg)
• Useful load: 489 lb (222 kg)
• Powerplant: 1x Continental O-200A, 100 hp (75 kW)

Performance

• Never Exceed speed: 141 kt (259 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 107 kt (196 km/h)
• Stall speed: 47 kt (87 km/h) clean, 42 kt (78km/h) with full flaps
• Range: 366 miles (589 km), best economy
• Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
• Rate of climb: 670 ft/min (204 m/min)
• Wing loading: 10 lb/ft² (49 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.0625 hp/lb (103 W/kg)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.