How do Cessna 150-152s compare to the ownership cost of cars?
It is very tempting to compare the cost of buying and owning a Cessna 150-152 with a car. It’s possible to purchase a decent Cessna 150-152 for about the same price as Honda or Toyota sedan. Unfortunately, this is an apples to oranges comparison, as any aircraft owner can tell you. Though the purchase price is similar, that is where the comparison ends. When purchasing a car, the sales price is the largest consideration. Modern cars are normally quite reliable, and require very minimal maintenance compared to airplanes. Once a car is purchased, all that is required is fuel, oil changes, and an occasional tune up. In some states a smog check is required every couple of years. By comparison, the sales price of an airplane is an important consideration, but only represents a portion of the cost of ownership. Like most private airplanes, Cessna 150-152’s are based on very old technology, their engines and airframes were designed in the late 1940’s. In addition, airplanes are operated in a
