• Dreaming of Flying
• What type of person owns a plane
• Learning to Fly
• Introduction Rides
• Martin Aviation Approach
• The right training plane
• Aircraft Costs
• Why the C-150/2 is the best trainer
• Reading Material and getting started
• Advanced Training - Real World Flying

Cessna 150 / 152 COSTS:

A little Background

Cessna Aircraft Corp. started the model 150 line in 1959 and ended in 1985.
Without going into a long story, in our opinion, the Cessna 150/2 is the best aircraft for primary and instrument training.
The model changed very little until 1978 when aviation fuel was changed. At that time, the engine was changed from a Continental (not the car company) to a Lycoming and it became the 152
Prices are dependent on engine time (engines are life limited - must be rebuilt when their time is up) and appearance. Since they are essentially the same plane, the year of manufacture does not effect price.

Acquisition:

Acquiring an aircraft is simple. Martin Aviation will find the best aircraft for you. You pay the owner, fill out the simple FAA registration and bill of sale form then mail them along with a $10 check to the FAA. The "PINK" copy acts as the registration until the formal one comes in the mail. Very simple!!! No ID is required. There is No state registration or sales tax. The reg is valid for three years and renewed for three years for $5.00.

Aircraft COSTS:

Purchasing:
The airframe appearance and the engine time make up the cost of the aircraft. The airframe price depending on appearance is between $5,000 and $15,000. The engine price is $8 per hour remaining before overhaul. Overhaul time is 1,800 hrs for the 150 and 2,400 hrs for the 152. Most engines run longer, but that is the economic life.
Example: Engine time of 900 hrs - cost added to airframe would be (1,800 - 900) X 8 $/ hr = $7,200 added to airframe price


After the purchase, one must pay for a year of insurance - $600 to $820 depending on the carrier. (million liability and declared price at time of purchase of the aircraft)


Depending on the month of the yearly inspection cycle, money should be put aside for the difference in months from 12 to the next inspection. Yearly inspection runs around $840 or $70 per month.

Registration fee, at this time, is $10 for the initial three years and $5 for three years after that. No state fee or sales tax.



Continuing expense:

• Fixed: Total of $300 per month divided by the three owners ($100 / each). This accrues whether the plane is flown or not, consisting of a) storage or "tie down" ($70 / month) b) yearly inspection ($70 / month) and c) insurance ($70 / month). The extra for contingency.
• Gas: The plane burns about 5.5 gal per hour in cruse. A little more on take off and less while landing and taxiing. At $5.00 per gal => $27.50 per hour. Our policy: get it full, leave it full.
• Wear and tear items: This accrues when the plane is flown. Money is needed for: tires, batteries, gyro instruments, brakes, oil changes and engine reserve. We have been using $10 per hour and it seems to work well.