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Cessna 150
| Model 150 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multipurpose civil aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Maiden flight | September 12 1957 |
| Produced | 1959-1977 |
| Number built | 23,949 |
| Unit cost | US$12,000-25,000 (2007) |
| Variants | Cessna 152 |
The Cessna 150 is a two-seat tricycle gear general aviation airplane, that was designed for flight training, touring and personal use.[1]
The Cessna 150 is the third most produced civilian plane ever, with 23,839 aircraft produced[2]. The Cessna 150 was offered for sale in the 150 basic model, Commuter, Commuter II, Patroller and the aerobatic Aerobat models.
Contents
Development Overview
Development of the Model 150 began in the mid 1950s with the decision by Cessna Aircraft to produce a successor to the popular Cessna 140 which finished production in 1951. The main change in the 150 design was the use of tricycle landing gear, which is easier to learn to use than the tailwheel landing gear of the Cessna 140.
The Cessna 150 prototype first flew on September 12 1957, with production commencing in September 1958 at Cessna's Wichita, Kansas plant[3]. 216 aircraft were also produced by Reims Aviation under license in France. These French manufactured 150s were designated Reims F-150, the "F" indicating they were built in France.
American-made 150s were produced with the Continental O-200-A 100 hp (75 kW) engine, but the Reims-built aircraft are powered by a Rolls Royce O-240-A piston engine of 130 hp (97 kW).
All Cessna 150s have very effective flaps that extend 40 degrees.[4]
The best-performing airplanes in the 150 and 152 fleet are the 1962 Cessna 150B and the 1963 Cessna 150C. Thanks to their light 1,500 lb gross weight and more aerodynamic rear fuselage, they climb the fastest, have the highest ceilings and require the shortest runways. They have a 109 knots cruise speed, faster than any other model year of either the 150 or 152.[5]
All models from 1966 onwards have larger doors and increased baggage space. With the 1967 Model 150G the doors were bowed outward 1.5 inches on each side to provide more cabin elbow room.
Production
A total of 22,138 Cessna 150s were built in the United States, including 21,404 Commuter models and 734 Aerobats. Reims Aviation completed 1,764 F-150s of which 1,428 were Commuter models and 336 were Aerobats. Forty-seven F-150s were also assembled by a Reims affiliate in Argentina, including 38 Commuters and 9 Aerobats.
Of all the Cessna 150-152 models, the 1966 model year is the most plentiful with 3,067 1966 Cessna 150s produced. This was the first year that the aircraft featured a swept tail fin, increased baggage area and electrically operated flaps.
Design succession
The 150 was succeeded in the summer of 1977 by the closely related Cessna 152. The 152 is more economical to operate due to the increased TBO (time between overhaul) of the Lycoming O-235 engine. The 152 had its flap travel limited to 30 degrees from the 150's 40 degree deflection for better climb with full flaps and the maximum certified gross weight was increased from 1,600 lb (726 kg) on the 150 to 1670 lb (757 kg) on the 152. Production of the 152 ended in 1985 when manufacturing of all Cessna piston singles was suspended.[1]
In 2007 Cessna announced that they will build a two seat successor to the 150 and 152 designated the Model 162 Skycatcher.
Variants
- 150
The first model year of the Cessna 150 carried no suffix letter. It was available as the “150” or the upgraded “Commuter”. The engine was a 100 horsepower Continental O-200, the gross weight was 1500 lb and flaps were actuated manually with a lever between the seats. Production commenced late in 1958 as the 1959 model year.
The cost was USD$6,995 for the Standard Model 150, $7940 for the Trainer and $8,545 for the Commuter.[6]
The 1960 model introduced a 35-amp generator on the Commuter. The “patroller” was also introduced in 1960. This was a standard 150 with acrylic glass windows on the lower doors, 35 US gallon long range fuel tanks and a message chute for dropping packages to the ground.
Production was 122 in 1958, 648 in 1959 and 354 in 1960.[7]
- 150A
The 1961 model incorporated enough changes to justify a suffix letter and as was designated the “150A”.
The “A” had its main landing gear moved aft by two inches to eliminate the problem of the aircraft ending up on its tail while loading people and baggage and also to improve nose wheel steering authority.
The “A” also had 15% larger rear side windows and new adjustable seats. 344 were constructed.[7]
- 150B
The 150B was the 1962 model . It had a new propeller that increased cruise speed by 2 knots and the option of a two-passenger child seat for the baggage compartment. 331 “B” models were built.[7] The Commuter version cost USD$8,995.[8]
- 150C
The 1963 model was the “C”, which introduced the option of larger 6.00X6 inch tires to replace the standard 5.00X5 tires and fuel quick drains. 472 were completed.[7]
- 150D
The 1964 “D” model brought the first dramatic change to the 150 – the introduction of a rear window under the marketing name Omni-Vision. The rear window changed the look of the 150 and cost 3 mph in cruise speed. It also resulted in a larger baggage compartment and a greater structural weight allowance for baggage from 80 to 120 lb. The square tail fin from previous years was retained for another two years. Elevator and rudder mass balances were increased to reduce flutter potential caused by the less aerodynamic rear fuselage. The gross weight of the aircraft was also increased in 1964 to 1600 lb, where it would stay until the advent of the Cessna 152 . 804 150Ds were built.[7]
Many people find the new cabin more "airy" and pleasant, due to the increased light.[9]
- 150E
The 1965 Cessna 150E saw only the addition of new seats, although the standard empty weight went up 40 lb that year to 1010 lb. The “E” model saw production increase to 1637 aircraft.[7]
- 150F
The 1966 model saw great changes to the 150 design. The fin was swept back 35 degrees to match the styling of the Cessna 172 and other models. The cabin doors were made 23% wider, new brakes were brought in and the 6.00X6 tires were made standard. The previously manual flaps were now electrically actuated through a panel-mounted flap switch. The old electric stall warning system was replaced with a pneumatic-type. The baggage compartment was enlarged by 50%. A total of 3087 of the newly styled “F” models were produced.[7]
1966 was also the first production of French Reims-built F-150s, with 67 built as the F150F.[10].
- 150G
In the 1967 model the doors were “bowed” out to give three more inches of shoulder and hip room which was needed in the small cabin. The “G” model also saw a new short-stroke nose oleo introduced to reduce the drag created by the nose wheel assembly. The previously fitted generator was replaced by a 60 amp alternator, reflecting the increasing avionics that the planes were being fitted with.
The “G” model was also the first Cessna 150 variant certified for floats. A total of 2114 “G” models were built, plus 152 built by Reims as F150G. [7]
- 150H
The 1968 model 150 was designated the “H”. It introduced a new-style center console, designed to improve legroom. A new electric flap switch was also fitted that allowed “hands-off” retraction of the flaps, but not extension. 2007 150Hs were built in Wichita, with 170 built by Reims as the F150H.[7]
- 150I
There was no 150 “India” model as Cessna didn't want it to look like a Cessna 1,501. This didn't stop Cessna from designating an “India” model Cessna 172 however.[7]
- 150J
The 150J brought a new key-operated starter that replaced the old “pull-style” starter. The new starter was more “car-like” but not as reliable as the old one and more expensive to repair, too.
An auxiliary power plug was made available as an option in 1969, too, along with “rocker” style electrical switches. 1714 “J” models were built[7], plus 140 built by Reims as the F150J.
- 150K
1970 was the year that Cessna introduced the A150K Aerobat, a Cessna 150 with limited aerobatic capabilities. It retained the 100 horsepower Continental O-200 powerplant that all 150s used, but the Aerobat had more structural strength. It was rated for +6, -3 “g” and sported four point harnesses, skylights and jetisonable doors, along with checkerboard paint schemes and removable seat cushions so that parachutes could be worn. In 1970 an Aerobat version cost $12,000 as opposed to the $11,450 for a normal Cessna 150[11]
Both the new Aerobat and the non-aerobatic 150K also sported new conical cambered wingtips in 1970. A total of 832 “K” models were built, including A150Ks.[7] Reims built 129 as the F150K and 81 as the A150K .
- 150L
The 150L had the longest production run of any 150 sub-model, being produced 1971-74.
New in 1971 was tubular landing gear legs with a 16% greater width (6 feet 6 inches(1.98 m) to 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 m) ) for better ground handling. These replaced the previous flat steel leaf spring gear. Also in 1971 the landing and taxi lights were moved from the wing leading edge to the nose bowl to better illuminate the ground. They were an improvement, but bulb life was reduced due to the heat and vibration of that location. It was moved back to the wing on the 1984 model Cessna 152.
The “L” also introduced a longer dorsal strake that reached to the rear window. This was done more for styling than for aerodynamics and the empty weight accordingly went up 10 lb over the “K”. 879 were built in 1971.
In 1972 the “L” received new fuel caps to reduce moisture seepage and better seats and seat tracks, too. 1100 were built in 1972.
The 1973 “L” model brought in lower seats to provide more headroom for taller pilots. 1460 of the 1973 models were built.
The final “L” model was produced in 1974. The only changes this model year were to change the propeller on the A150L Aerobat to a new Clark Y airfoil that increased cruise by 4 mph. 1080 150s were produced in 1974.[7]
Total “L” production was 4519, plus the 485 built by Reims as the F150La and 39 FA150L Aerobats.
- 150M
The final Cessna 150 model was the 150M. It introduced the “Commuter II” upgrade package that included many optional avionics and trim items as standard. The “M” also brought an increased fin height, by 6 inches. This increased the rudder and fin area by 15% to improve crosswind handling. The “M” was produced for three years: 1975-77.
Inertia reel restraints became available as an option with the 1975 model year. 1269 1975 model 150Ms were built.
In 1976 the “M” gained a suite of electrical circuit breakers to replace the previous fuses used. It also was fitted with a fully-articulated pilot seat as standard equipment. 1399 were constructed.
The 1977 model year was the last for the Cessna 150. It added only “pre-select” flaps, allowing the pilot to set the flaps to any setting and then leave the aircraft to move the flaps to that position, without the pilot holding the switch. Only 427 1977 model 150Ms were built as production shifted to the improved Cessna 152 in the early part of 1977.
The many refinements incorporated into the 150 over the years had cost the aircraft a lot of useful load. The very first 150 weighed 962 lb empty, whereas the last “M Commuter II” had an empty weight of 1129 lb. This increase in empty weight was offset only by a gross weight increase of 100 lb in 1964.[4] The 152 would bring a much-needed 70 lb increase in gross weight to 1670 lb.[7]
A total of 3097 “M” models were built during its three-year run.[7] An additional 285 were built by Reims as the F150M and 141 FA150M Aerobats with the Rolls Royce Continental 0-240-A engine. Reims also built 75 A150Ls with F150M modifications.
Profiles
File:Cessna150-1959.gif Cessna 150 to 150C Profile from 1959-1963 |
File:Cessna150-1964.gif Cessna 150D & E Profile from 1964-1965 |
File:Cessna150-1966.gif Cessna 150M Profile from 1975-1977 |
Flight Characteristics
The Cessna 150 is simple, robust and easy to fly. For these reasons it has become one of the world's most popular basic trainers.[1]
Cockpit visibility is generally good other than directly above the aircraft, where the view is blocked by the wing. This obstruction is of particular concern when, as is the case with most high-wing aircraft, the inside-turn wing blocks vision in the direction of a turn. As a partial remedy to this some 150's, including all Aerobats, feature a pair of overhead skylights.
Due to its light weight and light wing loading of 10 lb/sq ft, the aircraft is sensitive to turbulence.[1][4]
Power-on and power-off stalls are easily controlled.[1] Normal spin recovery techniques are highly effective.
Modifications Available
There are hundreds of modifications available for the Cessna 150. Some of the most frequently installed include:
- Vortex generators and STOL kits that reduce the stall speed of the plane.[12]
- Flap gap seals to reduce drag and increase rate of climb.[12]
- Different wing tips, some of which claim various cruise speed increases and stall speed reductions.[12]
- Auto fuel STCs, which permit the use of automobile fuel instead of the more expensive aviation fuel.
- Larger engines, up to 180 horsepower.[12]
- Taildragger landing gear.[12]
- Auxiliary fuel tanks for larger capacity.[12]
- Door catches to replace the factory ones that often fail in service.[12]
- Belly fuel drain valves to drain fuel from the lowest point in the fuel system.[12]
Cost
Flyable Cessna 150s in the United States range in price from US$15,000 to more than $30,000, depending on engine hours, radios installed, model year and cosmetics[13]. Prices in other parts of the world are generally comparable to the US used purchase prices.
The cost of operating an airplane can vary widely, depending on the mechanical health of the plane, country of operation with the associated regulatory requirements of that country and the home airport, which determines hangar rent and influences maintenance and fuel costs.
The recommended time between engine overhauls is 1,800 operating hours. In the USA in 2007 this can typically cost between $10,000 and $15,000[14].
In 2007 an American-based Cessna 150 can expect total hourly costs of $50-90. [15]. Costs in Europe can be expected to be considerably higher than this figure, due the increased cost of fuel, hangarage, parts, maintenance and regulatory and landing fees. Costs in other parts of the world will vary due to the same factors
Noteworthy Flights
- In 1996 a Cessna 150 was flown from the United States to South Africa in several stages, crossing the Atlantic along the way. An extra 60 gallon fuel tank was installed (beyond the standard 22.5 gallons) and the plane took off 500 lb over gross weight. [16]
- A Cessna 150 holds the world speed record between Allentown, Pennsylvania to Fort Smith, Arkansas (as of July 2002)[17].
- On September 12 1994, Frank Eugene Corder intentionally crashed a Cessna 150L onto the South Lawn of the White House against the south wall of the Executive Mansion, in an apparent suicide attempt. Corder was killed, but no one else was injured and damage to property on the ground was mimimal. President Bill Clinton and his family were not in residence at the time.
- On August 8, 1964, a pair of commercial pilots flew a Cessna 150 into the Meteor Crater in Arizona. They were unable to leave the crater due to the downdrafts and the aircraft was forced to circle the interior of the structure until it ran out of fuel.[18] The remains of the craft are still visible today.[19]
Aircraft type clubs
The Cessna 150 is supported by a number of Aircraft Type Clubs, including the Cessna 150-152 Club and the Cessna Pilots Association.
Military operators
- Burundi Air Force 3 x FRA150L[20]
- Republic of Congo Air Force 15 x FRA150M[21]
- Ecuadorian Air Force 24 x A150[22]
- Ivory Coast Air Force 3 x F150L[23]
- Liberian Army 1 x 150K[24]
- Mexican Naval Aviation 2 x 150J[25]
- Paraguayan Naval Aviation 4 x 150M[26]
- Somali Air Force 2 x FRA150L[27]
- Sri Lanka Air Force 10 x 150[28]
- United States Air Force - The United States Air Force Academy Flying Team uses three Cessna 150s designated T-51A (1 Model 150L, 2 Model 150M) for training and competition.[29] For better performance at altitude, these aircraft have been equipped with 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320-E2D engines and propeller combinations.
Specifications (1977 Cessna 150M)
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 24 ft 9 in (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 weight: 1,111 lb (504 kg)
- Useful load: 490 lb (220 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,600 lb (730 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Continental O-200-A flat-4 engine, 100 hp (75 kW) at 2,750 rpm
- Propeller diameter: 5 ft 9 in (1.8 m)
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 141 knots (162 mph, 259 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 107 knots (123 mph, 198 km/h)
- Stall speed: 42 knots (48 mph, 78 km/h)
- Range: 366 nm (421 mi, 678 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
- Rate of climb: 670 ft/min (3.4 m/s)
- Max wing loading: 10 lb/ft² (49 kg/m²)
- Minimum power/mass: 0.063 hp/lb (100 W/kg)
- Fuel consumption: 6 Template:H:title/h (23 L/h) of avgas
See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Lists relating to aviation | |
|---|---|
| General | Timeline of aviation · Aircraft · Aircraft manufacturers · Aircraft engines · Aircraft engine manufacturers · Airports · Airlines |
| Military | Air forces · Aircraft weapons · Missiles · Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) · Experimental aircraft |
| Notable incidents and accidents | Military aviation · Airliners · General aviation · Famous aviation-related deaths |
| Records | Flight airspeed record · Flight distance record · Flight altitude record · Flight endurance record · Most produced aircraft |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Plane and Pilot: 1978 Aircraft Directory, pages 22-23. Werner & Werner Corp, Santa Monica CA, 1977. ISBN 0-918312-00-0
- ↑ Thompson, William. Cessna Wings for the World, 16. ISBN 0-89288-221-2.
- ↑ Thompson, William. Cessna Wings for the World, 9. ISBN 0-89288-221-2.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 National Flightshops: All Those Cessna 150's. National Flightshops, St Ptersburg FL, 1978.
- ↑ AOPA Flight Training C150 Article Writeup
- ↑ Thompson, William. Cessna Wings for the World, pp.9. ISBN 0-89288-221-2.
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 Clarke, Bill: Cessna 150 and 152 first edition, pages 26-95. TAB Books, 1987. ISBN 0 8306-9002-0
- ↑ Thompson, William. Cessna Wings for the World. ISBN 0-89288-221-2.
- ↑ Thompson, William. Cessna Wings for the World, 11. ISBN 0-89288-221-2.
- ↑ Thompson, William. Cessna Wings for the World. ISBN 0-89288-221-2.
- ↑ Thompson, William. Cessna Wings for the World, 14. ISBN 0-89288-221-2.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 Clarke, Bill: Cessna 150 and 152 first edition, pages 197-212. TAB Books, 1987. ISBN 0 8306-9002-0
- ↑ Aircraft Shopper Online. Retrieved on 2007-07-31.
- ↑ Lakeland Price List.
- ↑ Cessna 150 Club FAQs.
- ↑ Transatlantic Cessna.
- ↑ Template:Web cite
- ↑ Template:Citation This is a synopsis, giving aircraft registration number and some information about the pilots.
- ↑ Template:Citation Includes photos of the remaining wreckage, taken from several thousand metres away.
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 36
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 342
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 57
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 126
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 147
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 157
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 176
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 194
- ↑ Andrade 1982, Page 209
- ↑ Designation-Systems.Net DOD 4120.15-L - Addendum
- Cessna 150 Type Certificate number 3A19, Federal Aviation Administration
- Rolls Royce O-240 Engine type certificate data sheet no. E11EU. (July 7 1971) Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration.
- U.S. Air Force Academy, Public Affairs. Biography. Fact Sheet: Airmanship. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
- John Andrade, Militair 1982, Aviation Press Limited, London, 1982, ISBN 0 907898 01 7
External links
- Cessna Aircraft Company
- Aircraft Info.net - Cessna 150/152
- Cessna 150-152 Club
- Cessna Pilots Association
- Aircraft Info and History - Cessna 150 & 152
Single-engine: 120 · 140 · 150 · 152 · 165 · 170 · 172 · 175 · 177 · 180 · 182 · 185 · 188 · 190 · 195 · 205 · 206 · 207 · 208 · 210 · 305
Twin-engine: T-50 · 303 · 310 · 320 · 336 · 337 · 340 · 401 · 402 · 404 · 406 · 411 · 414 · 421 · 425 · 441
Citation series: I-I/SP · II-II/SP-SII · III-VI-VII · V-Ultra-Encore · Excel-XLS-Sovereign · CJ/CJ1 · CJ2 · CJ3 · CJ4 · Mustang · X
Lists relating to aviation | |
|---|---|
| General | Timeline of aviation · Aircraft · Aircraft manufacturers · Aircraft engines · Aircraft engine manufacturers · Airports · Airlines |
| Military | Air forces · Aircraft weapons · Missiles · Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) · Experimental aircraft |
| Notable incidents and accidents | Military aviation · Airliners · General aviation · Famous aviation-related deaths |
| Records | Flight airspeed record · Flight distance record · Flight altitude record · Flight endurance record · Most produced aircraft |
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