buzzard86
Pre-takeoff checklist
Came across a 1968 Cessna 150H for sale at a local airport. Plane has not flown in 10 years, paint looks to be probably a 2/10, it has no radios and I think it's grossly overpriced. I'm not giving this particular plane any serious consideration, but I'm desperate to get off the rental line and it got me wondering if a plane like this could be a diamond in the rough or if most planes that have been sitting are simply basket cases.
Here are the specs. TTAF 5900, engine TT 2130, SMOH 900, STOH 0. Jugs were all replaced in 2001 and then owner moved out of state shortly thereafter and the plane has not been flown since. Engine was not pickled and the plane has been outside on a tie down in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
I am told that the logs are complete and NDH. Owner is an A&P/IA living in Florida. He claims that without tools and space here in PA, it's not worth the hassle of fixing it himself and he wants to move it as-is.
I considered the engine to be a runout simply because of how long it had been sitting. Seller (A&P) downplayed the necessary repairs and said the new owner would have to pull the jugs and inspect for corrosion/pitting, hone the cylinders, and inspect the cam. He said it's all labor except for the cost of cylinder base seals and intake and exhaust gaskets.
Again, I am not giving this plane consideration but hope to use the example as a learning opportunity.
In this market, would you run from a plane that's been ignored on a tie down for a decade? What you would expect in an engine that's been sitting like this? Even in a best-case scenario, what costs do you think would be involved to get an annual given the lack of attention that this plane has received? I presume that worst-case scenario is that the cylinders and cam are grossly rusted and an OH would be necessary.
I also imagine that the state of the airframe would be a whole 'nother discussion.
-Jim
Here are the specs. TTAF 5900, engine TT 2130, SMOH 900, STOH 0. Jugs were all replaced in 2001 and then owner moved out of state shortly thereafter and the plane has not been flown since. Engine was not pickled and the plane has been outside on a tie down in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
I am told that the logs are complete and NDH. Owner is an A&P/IA living in Florida. He claims that without tools and space here in PA, it's not worth the hassle of fixing it himself and he wants to move it as-is.
I considered the engine to be a runout simply because of how long it had been sitting. Seller (A&P) downplayed the necessary repairs and said the new owner would have to pull the jugs and inspect for corrosion/pitting, hone the cylinders, and inspect the cam. He said it's all labor except for the cost of cylinder base seals and intake and exhaust gaskets.
Again, I am not giving this plane consideration but hope to use the example as a learning opportunity.
In this market, would you run from a plane that's been ignored on a tie down for a decade? What you would expect in an engine that's been sitting like this? Even in a best-case scenario, what costs do you think would be involved to get an annual given the lack of attention that this plane has received? I presume that worst-case scenario is that the cylinders and cam are grossly rusted and an OH would be necessary.
I also imagine that the state of the airframe would be a whole 'nother discussion.
-Jim
