E-flite’s Cessna 150 Aerobat — The Story Behind the Plane

E-flite’s Cessna 150 Aerobat — The Story Behind the Plane

When we first learned about the new Cessna 150 Aerobat coming from E-flite, we checked into it and discovered an interesting back story. Horizon Hobby’s David Payne is a product developer and demo show pilot and the new lightweight Cessna is a scale model of a full-size plane that’s been involved in his own family’s history. Here are some photos and the details as told by David.

Grandpa and Cessna

What’s the story behind the new Cessna 150 Aerobat? I understand you have a childhood connection to this particular airplane.

Some of my earliest memories of flying are in this plane, my Grandfather and Father owned this exact plane.

David in plane2

What’s the difference between a standard Cessna 150 and the Aerobat?

It had a few small changes and additions. The main ones were the addition of doors that could be jettison, a skylight in the top of the wing, 4 point harnesses and a removable lower seat cushion for parachutes.

How long did you Grandfather have the airplane and did you have any memorable adventures with it and your grandfather?

We owned the plane for a little over three years before selling it and getting a 172.  The plane was hangered at a local glider port that was only a few miles from my house where I grew up in Whitwell TN. I had many memories of flying in this plane with both my grandfather and my father.

David in plane

Is it still around?

Yes I believe it is. The plane has undergone a few changes to the paint scheme over the years but still looks very similar. Last I knew it was based in California now.

David and Plane
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Updated: July 16, 2015 — 3:17 PM

2 Comments

  1. Hey. I stumbled across this website by accident. A friend of mine bouhht exactely this plane a few months ago in Dalls and ferried it to his club (Puget Sound Flyers) located at KPAE. So its still in good hands.

    Really well maintained and in great shape.

    Cherrs

  2. I own a sister plane to this one, N2791J.
    It is based at Paine Field, Everett, WA and is part of Puget Sound Flyers club and is for rent.
    We use MOGAS to keep prices down.
    We picked up the plane and it is loaded for IFR: 1 NavCom with GS, 1 Com, 1 Garmin GPS/com (yes, three COM radios) 406 ELT, intercom and, what everyone likes looking at, the rear bench seat. Had a new Sensinich Prop, repitched for climb, installed before I bought it.
    A little overdown so too heavy for aerobatics, but it is ready with the same seat cushions and such.

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