Airplanes we love: Cessna 150

I’m a Luddite in most things: I can’t program my TV without the help of my 30-something sons; if the computer goes on the fritz, my only option is to call the IT department and wait impatiently; and no, I cannot program the navigation on my beautiful new Audi. Sue me. And my first introduction to flight, low those many years ago, was in a Piper Archer at the time being tricked out with new avionics (most of which are panel-standard today). It was a heavy airplane and it was gadget-loaded. I struggled with its weight, its bells and whistles (sounds funny, today, huh?), and its presence—it seemed to belong to a “real” pilot, not someone training like me. So, the day when my instructor lamented that the Archer was in for maintenance and our only option was the sad-appearing Cessna 150 on the line was a game-changer. Yes, the upholstery was frayed and damaged. Yes, the headliner kept falling in my face. And, yes, the panel had just a few things: turn coordinator, airspeed indicator, altitude indicator. Basic. My idea of fun. Its snug seat hugged me and made me feel safe. Its light weight helped me leap that little machine off the ground. And that same simple flying characteristic helped me nail a great landing (Editor in Chief Tom Haines doubtfully remembers this, but he was behind me in the pattern and complimented me on my landing. On the numbers, thank you very much, 150). Sometimes, simple is best.

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• You’re more Faith Hill than Kim Kardashian.
• You like easy: tricycle landing gear is more forgiving than tailwheel.
• Low and slow is just fine (100-horsepower engines on most models).
• Cheap thrills—modified 150s can be superstars at STOL contests and in aerobatic competitions.
• Snuggle time: This is a cockpit built for small, 1950s-era people. You’ll rub shoulders with your co-pilot (which in some cases is a nice thing!).

Swipe left

• Only the newest and greatest is for you.
• You fly to impress.
• Boredom sets in easily.

Second loves

A Robin or a Skipper or a Symphony (even the names sound simple and happy).

Just for fun

The best of the good old days

J–3 Cub tops classic aircraft survey

While flying cars and urban air taxis garner headlines today, a simple airplane from another era still captures pilots’ hearts. The Piper J–3 Cub is, for many, the perfect trainer: easy to fly, affordable to operate, and evocative of a simpler time. The little airplane that trained a generation came out on top in a recent online survey of classic aircraft conducted by AOPA. Which of these top five aircraft designed or built prior to December 31, 1960, rank highest in your book? Email [email protected].