Cessna 150

The resulting Cessna 150 was now affordable and easy to land. So much so, Cessna patented the sprung-steel tricycle landing gear configuration and named it “Land-O-Matic.” Pilots and flight schools loved the economical Cessna 150 (and later model Cessna 152) and more than 31,000 were built between 1958 and 1985, making them the third-most produced general aviation airplane of all time. 

The Cessna 150’s appeal is that it is wonderfully average. Its ramp presence is neither objectionable nor stellar. The interior is just large enough to be functional for two adults. The baggage compartment is spacious and holds 120 pounds of gear, but you’ll have to leave fuel or a passenger behind if you want to cram it full. The view outside the cockpit is limited in early models, but once Cessna introduced the “Omni-Vision” wrap-around rear window in 1964, outside visibility improved dramatically. The airplane is nimble and easy to fly, which makes it both a great trainer and a fun personal aircraft. And its “Para-Lift” flaps reduce the stall speed significantly, making approaches to shorter runways a breeze.

Affordability is this airplane’s one outstanding feature. Cessna 150s have always provided a low-cost entry point for both students and aircraft owners. With a miserly five-gallon per-hour fuel burn and few parts to break, operating and maintenance costs are reasonable. And who wouldn’t feel joy in that?

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