The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Well I bit the bullet and bought a new old airplane. It is a 49’ A model that came from central Ohio. The trip home to Savannah, Ga took me to Charleston, WV and Spartanburg, S.C. I had a partner in my last airplane, a C-182, that is getting out of flying so we had to sell. Now that I have this very old airplane I have more that a few questions that I was hoping ya’ll could give me some help with. The first one is time change items. I have seen in other post that people are changing the tail wheel springs at 500 hrs? Is this a recommended thing or is it a mandatory time change item? I can’t see where mine has been changed at all so I think that I will need to change it soon. Also can some one recommend a place to get the 100 series manuals? I have the Adobe parts manual file that I got from the members only page but I like paper books.

Thanks in advance and I am sure as things come up as I start flying this thing more I will have many questions to post.

Bill

Bill

The tail spring time came from I believe, George Horn, who among others makes this recommendation. To the best of my knowledge we don't know when the main tail spring will break but it will and the damage and cost to repair will buy at least ten main tail springs.

It's just cheap insurance.

Hi Bill,

Congrats and welcome aboard! The 100 series manuals can be purchased from the common supply houses like A/C Spruce, Univair, etc.

The tailspring, as Bruce said, has no FAA requirement for change intervals. Having rebuilt my rudder and elevators (damaged when under the care of the previous owner) during my refurb last year, I can definitely attest to the cost savings of replacing the main spring. And it cost a LOT more than ten main springs The main problem is that the main spring gets a groove worn in the top face over time courtesy of flexing up against the end of the spring that sits on top of it. When it finally goes, that's where it'll break. As Bruce said, cheap insurance. Besides, it'll make you take a closer look at everything else while your at it which is always a good thing.

Thanks for thr info.

Bill