Airplane of the Month • March 2004

Photographed by Dana Patton at the 2003 Cessna 150-152 Club National Fly-in.

Year: 1965 Model: 150E Serial#: 15061277
505 of 760, 1965 150E's manufactured
3,276 of 21,404, 150's manufactured in the U.S.A.

Michael Bratton's "Air Force" Straight Tail N3577J

N3577J started out as a trainer complete with HD nose gear,  6” main tires, and a vacuum system from 1965 to 1975. Eighty percent of the aircrafts total time was during that period. The aircraft went from one owner to another from 1976 to 1992 getting only 25-35 hours per year put on it. In 1992 the owner had the exterior painted to the air force scheme and leather seats installed so his daughter could learn to fly in style. I purchased the aircraft in 1998 (mid-life crisis thing) and began flying again for the first time since 1970 and putting 75-100 hours per year on the plane. Currently has 6,971 on the tach and the engine is being pulled out for a major overhaul.

Since purchasing the aircraft I have added a Whelen Rotating Beacon, Bracket Air Filter, Carb Ice Detector, Loran, C-Mods Belly Drain, Intercom & accessory panel, Univair wheel covers, and a wood decorative panel which I made myself. With the engine overhaul I will be adding a oil filter adaptor and a vernier mixture control.

Overall, flying N3577J is a joy and one of the greatest stress relievers I have found. As soon as the engine fires all earthly concerns just go away. She also has a nose for those weekend pancake fly-ins within a 100 miles. Club member Jessica Braddock helps with the maintenance of the plane.

Landing Contest touchdown at Clinton 2003.
[Posted March 1, 2004]