Which do you prefer 170 / 170A / 170B

[GAD]

I am very close to buying a 170A and started wondering if it wouldn't be long before I'ld start wishing I had a 170B. So, I thought that I'ld ask the question of those who own these planes if they wish they had a different model and why? I guess I'm wondering if things like the heater or the "barn door" flaps make guys wish they had one model over the other.

Thanks, Greg

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

It's been said many times here buy the best example you can find regardless of the model.

I have what is essentially a '52 with the old style heater. I'm not selling so move up nor do i spend much time wishing I had the better het system.

I do have the big flaps which are cool. I've been known to make a short landing here and there and the big flaps make it easier. But of course if I did the same with the smaller flaps which I'm sure i could that would be more special to me.

So look at it this way. If you end up with the old heater system then you can join me and a bunch of others when we say "better heaters are for pansies".

If you end up with the smaller flaps then you can join in with that crowd and say "who needs flaps, not me".

[Jr.CubBuilder]

The "barn door" flaps on the B model help you come down steep and can really shorten your rollout due to all the drag. The problem is that it takes four times the landing distance to get back in the air so I don't think they are really that big of a deal.

The B has a balanced elevator and according to a local A model owner it makes a difference on the landing flare. Mine is a B model, but I can't say my landings look any better than his.

I think if you were looking at two planes in equivelant condition, and A and a B model, the A model (since they usually go for less $) would be a better flying bang for the buck. You can carry just as much, fly out of the same size fields, etc. I own a B model but I really wouldn't recomend paying more for a B just because of the flaps. If you need more heat than the pancake mufflers put out I would just the later Hanlon Wilson exhaust on.

[dacker]

Greg, I have an A model and love it. Other guys have the '48 and love it. Guys that have the B model, you guessed it... they love it. Most guys prefer the B models for the flaps. The flaps are a definite improvement but don't really offer that much improvement over the A model where it really counts... take off! As an example, on a 100 deg day at S.L. the B model eats up 1995 ft to clear a 50 ft obstacle, the A model eats up 2050 ft, a difference of only 55 ft. The B model can land (clearing a 50 ft obstacle) quiet a bit shorter @ 1215 ft vs. the A's 1860 ft (the A's landing distance can be shortened by it's ability to slip w/full flaps which isn't recommended in the B, but I would suspect that the B could still beat the A model). What you should notice by these figures is that both airplanes are capable of landing in much less distance than the B model can take off in, so to me at least, that makes the flaps a fairly mute point.
The B model has a balanced elevator, meaning less muscle to go up or down but this really isn't a biggy.
Where I feel the biggest and probably most overlooked improvement is the dihedral in the wings that the others don't have, this alone makes the B more 172ish meaning stable as a rock, which is nice when trying to land in a gusty crosswind. Still not the main decision maker though!
The advice that has been given the most on this website is to find the airplane that is in the best condition for the money. If looking at a B model that is a fixer upper or an A model that has been completely refurbished, chose the refurbished airplane. You would be surprised at how fast about $50k can be spent on rebuilding an airplane!
Just remember, as has been preached here before, don't rely on an "inspection", get a full blown annual by a disinterested party. When buying an airplane it is always a buyer's market!
Hope this helps, and good luck!
David

As I was writing this I see that Jr. posted pretty much the same sentiments!

[4-Shipp]

So, I thought that I'ld ask the question of those who own these planes if they wish they had a different model and why? .

Thanks, Greg

Oh yea, that's gonna happen...especially on this board in this company

Ask any of us wich is the best model and we will invariably answer the one that we own! None of us would ever show any sign of weakness or give any quarter in speed, performance or whatever (right, slo' George or Speedy Joe? )

The "170" is a great plane and concur with the others that you should buy the best example of the three you can afford.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

.... If you need more heat than the pancake mufflers put out I would just the later Hanlon Wilson exhaust on.

The heat issue isn't the muffler set up it is the heat muff, larger scat and better cabin distribution that makes the heat better in the later B models.

My personal experience having flown many hours in a pancake equipped 170A is that the heat is probably better than mine with the Hanlon Wilson's.

To add to my post. I nearly bought a '48 170 and would have if not for bad timing with medical issues. I bought a 170A but as some of you may remember it's more like a B.

I'm not partial to any model except I'd love to have a 180 hp in any of them but can't afford it.

[trake]

Ive had both the A model and the B model. I definitely prefer the B. The balanced elevators make all the difference. Coincidentally, mine is for sale, check the ads on this site.

[15A]

They're all great planes. They can get a little 'pricey' too. The old straight tail 172 is still fairly reasonable, and makes one heck of a plane when it's converted to conventional gear! So if you're looking for a re-build, don't over-look that old 172!

[iowa]

i like to have the 1st ragwing one
off the assembly line!
iowa

[N1478D]

So, I thought that I'ld ask the question of those who own these planes if they wish they had a different model and why? .

Thanks, Greg

Oh yea, that's gonna happen...especially on this board in this company

Ask any of us wich is the best model and we will invariably answer the one that we own! None of us would ever show any sign of weakness or give any quarter in speed, performance or whatever (right, slo' George or Speedy Joe? )

The "170" is a great plane and concur with the others that you should buy the best example of the three you can afford.

The straight wing of the A is a classic look that some people really enjoy.
Some say that's why the A is faster, ... just kidding, couldn't help myself.

I would enter my small flapped A against a B any time in a short landing contest, even wager on it!

There have been multiple people who were looking for a B because it was the most popular, bought a rag wing to hold them over untill the B came along, and never made the switch. They loved their 48 170.

Like people are saying, buy the BEST airplane you can find/afford. You will not be unhappy with a good 170 of any of the 3 models. Might need to make that 4 models to include the C version. The big smiles go with those too.

[futr_alaskaflyer]

Which do you prefer 170 / 170A / 170B

Yes.

[AR Dave]

Canada? Will you have passengers in the back seat when it is cold? What kind of terrain will you be flying in? If you need mods like a climb prop, 180 landing gear, or bigger tires, then consider this cost in your initial buy. You might want to find one already set up for the type of flying you'll be doing.

[4stripes]

They are all good aircraft, with improvements made as time went on (with the exception of adding the nose wheel for the 172!). My 52 B model is only lacking in heat for winter flying. Would I sell to get a newer model? Never. I just dress a little warmer, which makes sense should you have to make an unscheduled landing in a remote area.
Buy the plane that is in best condition, that has been maintained and flown regularly. If you buy a fixer upper, you will spend a lot more than the money saved to bring it up to scratch. Not to mention the lost flying time (unless you prefer to tinker, than fly).
One big advantage of the pre-B models is the price.
The advantage of the B model is that re-sale is easier (god forbid that someday we have to sell our 170).
You will know when you have found the "right" one....
Just make an effort to look at as many as you can, to get an idea what is out there. Also get a pre-purchase inspection by a decent maintenance shop.
Shopping can be half the fun!
Cheers Eric

[mit]

Have had two, 48 and a 54.


B

[Bill Hart]

I am going in to the second winter with my A model and I can now say that the heat is non-existent. At first I thought that the heat wasn’t correctly plumbed but after an inspection I found out that the system is just a poor design. It is not really too bad for me in the south east but I think that up north it could be a valid concern if you wanted to fly in the really cold air. I believe that some of our members can give you a better idea of what cold is and how they deal with it in an A model.