Cover Photograph by Gary Shreve  (see Gary's Horz Stab on right...)
Jeff Landing At Clinton 2005   Photograph by Tom Kozel

Jeff Hersom's 1967 White and Gray 150 "Gremlin"
Year: 1967 Model: 150G Serial#: 15065040
508 of 2,666, 1967 150G's manufactured
7,039 of 21,404, 150's manufactured in the USA

I acquired the Gremlin (with a lot of assistance from my father) in January 2005, after the Cessna 150 I was lined up to buy suffered an untimely death!! The main reason for buying the little bird was for me to build up more hours toward a future flying career, but I have since found out that just flying it around for no reason is more fun!

In March, my father and I decided to get it IFR equipped and certified, and jokingly the avionics tech and I suggested a Garmin GNS 430, and explained what it is and what it does, and my dad actually bit! With the 430, we also installed an 340 audio panel, and a new CDI with GS.

The same month I discovered ownership was not all fun and games with the first electrical failure. The avionics shop found nothing wrong with it, my shop found nothing wrong with it until I was flying home one night and had a second electrical failure, and the airport I was landing at shut its lights off as I was on final. Nobody could diagnose the problem, which also resulted in a burnt out battery and alternator, and a fried transponder!

So, after spending more money than I care to share, it turned out to be the alternator circuit breaker. A simple circuit breaker!

I can't complain, though, we installed a new Garmin 327 digital transponder when the Narco died. That's where she gained the nickname 'Gremlin'

Flying this airplane is a dream. Other than a slight left turning tendency, she flies like new!

Every flight in this airplane is an adventure, no matter how long or short the flight is! I've made 2 literal cross country trips, one being Clinton '05, the other being the flight from Ohio to her new home in Florida.

I wouldn't trade this plane for the world (that is until I see the bill for the upcoming annual!)

She had 5,500 hours TT, and 400 SMOH in September 2005.

Jeff Hersom
Tampa, Florida