Eric Seabase devoted a tremendous amount
of time and money with the goal of making this airplane the finest Cessna 150
Aerobat in the world. In addition to it's striking paint and interior, the
airplane is equipped with a 160 horse power Lycoming engine, Sensenich prop, and many other
conversions and upgrades: For example, the flaps were converted from electric to
manual, the dorsal fin was replaced with the larger, later model, an additional
dual landing light was added to the right wing, Micro Dynamics Vortex Generators
were installed, Hooker 4 point aerobatic seat belts, and an access door for the
rear mounted battery.
All of the glass was replaced, and the panel
was upgraded to all metal. In that panel, Seabase had a JPI fuel totalizer
installed, a Garmin 496 GPS with satellite weather, PS Engineering audio
panel, a Macoy nav/comm, and LED equipment indicators.
Unusual for
an Aerobat, the airplane is equipped with a child Seat, and there are
numerous other upgrades and enhancements, including Lexan visors,
dual OAT's, and wheel pant brake fairings. Basically, Eric looked at every part
of the airplane, and if something wasn't as good as new (or better) he replaced
or upgraded it. The Carburetor was replaced, as were the alternator, mags,
sparkplugs and harnesses. The propeller was dynamically balanced to .001 ips,
and the interior and exterior plastics are all new.
According to Seabase, the airplane cruises at 145mph while burning just 8 gallons
of fuel per hour, climbs at 1,500 feet per minute at gross weight, and
stalls at 42 mph. Seabase enjoys both the performance and attention this
airplane draws everywhere he flies it.
Eric
plans to add comments about the upgrade and restoration process, they will be
posted here when available.