10. I could solve a few of these issues with additional instruments, engine monitors, auto pilot, etc... but that would drive up the cost. I also want to be able to afford the plane to a point to where I really don't care what things cost. I want to be able to say, "fix it" and not be a big deal. I am currently looking at starting a business in something that I would enjoy. Still, having additional funds would not address every issue. Perhaps as I get more proficient at my flying and my mission changes something like this would make sense.

A 150 is an excellent choice given the points you list about your mission. My first airplane was a Grumman Cheetah, followed by a C150, followed by a J35 Bonanza, followed by a C150, followed by a homebuilt Zenith 701. The C150 maximizes the fun per dollar. There is nothing like throwing your duffle bag in the back of a 150 and heading out for a long cross country, low and slow and really seeing the country. With the aerobatic capability and the IFR capability you have a lot of fun things that you can do with this airplane.

I thought I would share all the reasons I chose NOT to get a Bonanza at this time and I'll try to list them in order. It isn't just about the money. Note, the planes I was looking at were older 1957 to 1962ish.

1. I am retired and do not want to HAVE go back to work to support owning a plane and I like my stuff in Top Shape. If I do that, some points below would change.

2. My current level of flying experience - getting my instrument rating. I frequently get behind the plane, even in a Cutlass RG. LOL

3. The owner of the plane I looked at pretty much talked me out of his Bonanza, telling me it was a handful single pilot IFR and that he would not fly it for Vacations, which was one of my reasons for looking at the BO (Disney World trips) - this was his opinion, not mine but it caused me to think.

4. Current mission is to fly around and have fun locally most of the time. I simply do not have the mission for a cross country plane that capable. I think of my current Mission as I do my Harley, go out for an evening ride or in nice weather or within a 200 mile radius at most. I will by flying alone or with 1 other person 99% of the time.

5. Purchase Cost (not so much an issue) - I love the low prices but these are complex planes with lots of systems.

6. A&P told me it was not a traffic pattern airplane and if I forget the cowl flaps I'd pretty much toast cylinder.

7. Landing gear up possibilities - it happens. I would turn this into an impossibility with additional fail-safe switches and whatever else I could install. Perhaps an electric shocker to the pilot seat.

8. Cost of ownership, insurance, annuals, complex systems. (fuel burn not an issue)

9. Currency and flying proficiency would be more critical to handle this plane well.

10. I could solve a few of these issues with additional instruments, engine monitors, auto pilot, etc... but that would drive up the cost. I also want to be able to afford the plane to a point to where I really don't care what things cost. I want to be able to say, "fix it" and not be a big deal. I am currently looking at starting a business in something that I would enjoy. Still, having additional funds would not address every issue. Perhaps as I get more proficient at my flying and my mission changes something like this would make sense.

So as my first aircraft, I got me a puddle jumper with a little attitude and if the engine goes, I'll just say "fix it". And I can afford to waste money on the panel. Parts are available and pretty cheap I hear tell. The plane is docile, my son can learn to fly in it, it has 2 doors and one can look at the ground easily. I can also "tilt the world a bit" or chose never to do that. I'll also get bounced around and beat up. Gross weight will be an issue at times but never for my wife and I.

Just thought I'd share. One can argue with what I was told but basically, the BO is just too much plane for this ole boy, at present. I shopped diligently and found a great example of the Bonanza I was looking for. (the plane is terrific especially for the money) I made a decision that was mine to make. I chose Not to purchase. (as an aside, this was the first aircraft I ever looked at to purchase but I really found everything I was looking for in it for the money. One could justify NOT buying the first plane one sees) :

The fact that the owner had a sticker on the plane that said, "Dr. Killer" might have influenced me a bit, initially. It did give me pause. I don't think that is the smartest thing to have on a plane. Karma being what Karma is. Again YMMV

A 150 is an excellent choice given the points you list about your mission. My first airplane was a Grumman Cheetah, followed by a C150, followed by a J35 Bonanza, followed by a C150, followed by a homebuilt Zenith 701. The C150 maximizes the fun per dollar. There is nothing like throwing your duffle bag in the back of a 150 and heading out for a long cross country, low and slow and really seeing the country. With the aerobatic capability and the IFR capability you have a lot of fun things that you can do with this airplane.

True, but don't you plan on flying the wings off of whatever airplane you buy anyway??

Hi Gene,

I went through some of the same decision process you went through.

:thumbup: Mags are installed. Delmar is good to fly to his new home. Planning for to get him home in about 10 days.

:thumbup: Mags are installed. Delmar is good to fly to his new home. Planning for to get him home in about 10 days.

Definitely just ribbing you!


3. The owner of the plane I looked at pretty much talked me out of his Bonanza, telling me it was a handful single pilot IFR and that he would not fly it for Vacations, which was one of my reasons for looking at the BO (Disney World trips) - this was his opinion, not mine but it caused me to think.