AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2015 - 41

TEST PILOT
In sum, the 152's more powerful engine
gives it a distinct advantage in acceleration
and climb, and a very slight advantage in top
speed. The lighter 150 has the edge in slow
flight and, with its greater flap travel, shortfield and spot landings. Both are highly
responsive, honest, mechanically simple,
and proven primary trainers.
My main takeaway was how much fun
these airplanes are to fly, and the numbers
we worked hard to gather really don't tell
the story-or, frankly, matter much. Who
cares if one model is two or three knots
faster in high cruise? These airplanes were
made to teach students to take off and land,
and they both do that extremely well. These
airplanes were never meant for transcontinental treks, although Evans and I have each
done a few in these airplanes (see "Wyoming
Transformations," March 2015 AOPA Pilot).
During many hours of learning to fly in
a Cessna 150, taking my first checkride, and
giving rides to friends and family members,
I never saw one up close from the perspective of another aircraft. So although our
150/152 formation of bright yellow trainers might have looked a bit goofy from the
ground, it was a novel experience for both
pilots. The radio communications between
the two reflected that with more than the
normal share of quips, jokes, and laughter.
There are lots of ways to quantify
aircraft performance. But in terms of smiles
per gallon, these airplanes are in a league of
their own.
EMAIL dave.hirschman@aopa.org

JOHN HOLMS

LAST CHANCE

It's that time of year again-no, not the
holidays, but the final opportunity to
make sure the Reimagined 152 can be
a gift in your hangar in 2016. The AOPA
2015 Reimagined Sweepstakes is open
to all members. You can increase your
chance of winning by joining the AOPA
Automatic Annual Renewal Program.
The final chance for entry is December
31, 2015. Our prize patrol could arrive at
your airport sometime in early February.
Don't miss this opportunity to win your
own renovated Cessna 152. Go online
(www.aopa.org/sweeptakes) for final
rules and information.

BY BARRY SCHIFF

1. From reader Jeff Randolph: By now,
most pilots are aware of Automatic
Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
(ADS-B), a cornerstone of the NextGen
air traffic control system. What is
ADS-C?

2. True or false? During World War II,
a Douglas DC-4 was stripped of its four
engines and converted into a cargo-carrying glider.
3. From reader George Shanks: What is
it about the Tupolev TU-4 Bull, a Soviet
bomber, that Americans in particular
find so interesting?
4. A pilot begins a normal glide at
10,000 feet msl and maintains the best
glide speed throughout the subsequent
descent to sea level. As the airplane
loses altitude, sink rate
a) increases.
b) decreases.
c) remains constant.
d) cannot be determined.
5. From reader Stacey Taylor: The eight
throttle knobs used by the pilot in the
cockpit of the Hughes H-4 Hercules
are logically labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and
8. Why are the first seven knobs also
labeled E, H, E, H, H, H, and E?

6. A noncantilevered wing has at least
one primary strut to provide support.
Small or auxiliary struts often are used
in conjunction with and to support the
main wing struts. What are these called?
7. From reader John Schmidt: Betty Lou
Oliver holds the world's record for surviving an elevator plunge of 75 floors.
What does this have to do with aviation?
8. At 9,927 feet msl, Leadville, Colorado
is the most highly elevated airport in the
United States. What is the temperature
at Leadville when the density altitude
there is the same as its elevation (assuming no humidity and an altimeter setting
of 29.92 inches of Hg)?
ANSWERS on page 48

SPA HEADED FOR WATER
THE SEAPLANE PILOTS Association will move from its landlocked Lakeland, Florida,

headquarters to a more float-friendly Winter Haven facility after funds are raised to
support the move.
The Winter Haven City Council will provide a 30-year lease to the Seaplane Pilots
Association to develop three acres of Winter Haven Gilbert Airport's Lake Hartridge
for a public seaplane base with floating docks, picnic tables, and ramps.
"We're going to give that right back to them for a park after we develop it," said
Steve McCaughey, SPA executive director.
The SPA headquarters building will be erected on two acres across from the
lakefront base with hard-packed surfaces and pilot-operated fences and gates for
access to the ramps and docks. The headquarters facility will include a 10,000-squarefoot hangar, offices, and interactive workshops and educational displays.
McCaughey said the area was a natural fit because the community has
demonstrated an affinity toward seaplanes. "There's a lot of synergy and there are
40 lakes within the city's boundaries, most of which are open to seaplanes on a regular
basis. It's a real seaplane-friendly community."
-David Tulis
www.aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 41

http://www.aopa.org/sweeptakes http://www.aopa.org/pilot

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2015