Adding a Classic to the Hangar – My 1976 Cessna 150M

As the owner of a Mooney M20E, I’ve been spoiled by speed and efficiency when it comes to cross-country flying. The Mooney is a fantastic traveling machine—quick, capable, and perfectly suited for long legs across the western U.S.

But sometimes, you don’t need 150+ knots. Sometimes you just want to go up, enjoy the view, and make a few new airport stops without burning 10 gallons an hour or planning like you’re crossing the country. That’s what led me to add a second airplane to my hangar: a 1976 Cessna 150M.

Why a Cessna 150M?

The 150 is one of the most iconic airplanes ever built, and the 1976 M-model is especially interesting. It was the final year before the 152 took over, and my example—being a late serial number—shares some features that carried forward into the 152.

For me, the draw came down to three things:

• Economy: At ~5 gallons per hour, I can fly an hour or two just for fun without giving fuel costs a second thought.

• Simplicity: Fixed-pitch prop, fixed gear, carbureted O-200 engine—about as straightforward as it gets.

• Utility: Perfect for airport-hopping, filming approaches for Bay Breeze Aviation, and building a library of content without putting heavy hours on the Mooney.

The Purchase Journey

Unlike my Mooney purchase—which was all about speed, range, and IFR capability—buying the 150M was about finding the right balance of condition, history, and price.

1. The Search – I specifically wanted a late-model 150, both for the improvements and for long-term support.

2. Pre-Buy Inspection – The A&P’s detailed look confirmed what I suspected: a well-cared-for trainer that hadn’t been beaten to death.

3. The Deal – With clean logs, completely refurbished, new engine, no damage history, and a solid engine, this 150M was exactly the kind of honest airplane I wanted.

4. The Ferry Flight – Bringing it home will be a completely different vibe from the Mooney. Slower, quieter in its own way, and with that simple “just flying” feel that makes the 150 so timeless.

First Impressions

Owning two airplanes gives me flexibility I didn’t fully appreciate until now. The Mooney will always be my go-to for travel—but the 150 is already proving to be my favorite for flying.

• Short Hops: Perfect for 30–60 minute flights to new airports.

• Content Creation: With cameras mounted inside and out, it’s easier to capture video for Bay Breeze Aviation without worrying about staying high and fast.

• Pure Flying Fun: The Mooney is a serious airplane; the 150 feels like a playful one.

Looking Forward

I see the 150M becoming the heart of Bay Breeze Aviation’s airport tour series very soon. Its low cost of operation makes it the perfect tool for exploring, filming, and sharing airports across California. Meanwhile, the Mooney remains the cross-country workhorse when I need speed and range.

Adding a second airplane might not make sense for everyone, but for me it creates the best of both worlds: a fast traveler and a fun flyer.

✈️ Next on Bay Breeze Aviation: A closer look at what makes this particular 150M unique—and how it compares side-by-side with the Mooney M20E