I am looking to buy a 170B. Have talked to alot of folks and they all offer different opinions and advice.
Question is - I live in Alaska, should I look EXCLUSIVELY at buying a plane already here or can it be worthwhile or is it even advisable to consider purchasing a plane in the lower 48?
I plan on doing a pre-buy in either case and do not expect to find a suitable plane right away.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Should I buy locally? Alaska?
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
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cv580
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:28 pm
Buy where you want
The problem (in my humble opinion) is that you pay a premium for something in AK. I bought in AR to give you some example, and saved a considerable amount of money, but then you either have to go get it, or pay someone you trust to pick it up. Good Luck
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GAHorn
- Posts: 21290
- Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm
It'll cost you to go see it, stay there while you inspect/buy it, and then transport it to AK. So consider those costs in your evaluation.
I prefer to look at planes close by, but ...in AK..."close by" sometimes has a different definition.
Also, consider the differences in what is considered "legal" in the different locales. Your AK bird might have mods that are "less appropriately" documented than a lower-48 bird due to the difference in viewpoint regarding "field approvals". (Of course, that's a subjective thing. You'll never really find "two otherwise identical" airplanes.)
I prefer to look at planes close by, but ...in AK..."close by" sometimes has a different definition.
Also, consider the differences in what is considered "legal" in the different locales. Your AK bird might have mods that are "less appropriately" documented than a lower-48 bird due to the difference in viewpoint regarding "field approvals". (Of course, that's a subjective thing. You'll never really find "two otherwise identical" airplanes.)
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
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hilltop170
- Posts: 3485
- Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm
I've done it both ways, buying in Alaska and the Lower 48, Canada too for that matter but I wouldn't recommend that, too much hassle.
I think the price differential that used to be there is not much if any nowdays. If you are going to be flying it in Alaska and want the Alaska mods on it, I would try to find one in Alaska that is already set up the way you want it. Going thru the process of setting up an Alaska plane is time consuming and expensive but doesn't raise the value of the plane much once it's done, especially the engine conversions.
I just bought my 170 this June in Alaska at well below market value. It was still structurally in good shape but ready for restoration. If I had got it for free it would not be worth what I will have in it when I'm finished. The seller realized that and reduced the price accordingly. I plan on flying it another 30 years or more and money spent now won't have to be spent in the coming years so it's worth it to me to do the work now and have a nice reliable plane to fly.
It all depends on what you want the plane for. There are a lot of nice, well cared for 170s in Alaska and some real dogs too. Just be sure whatever you do pay for a full blown "good" annual as your pre-purchase inspection. There are just too many reasons not to as George has so patiently reiterated on many occasions.
Look closely at the paperwork, chances are it will need some work, maybe a lot of work to get it legal. Just because it has a current annual doesn't mean it's legal. Problems found before purchase will aid in the negotiations. Let the seller fix the problems on his nickel because they will cost more than you can estimate no matter how much you know about fixing planes.
I think the price differential that used to be there is not much if any nowdays. If you are going to be flying it in Alaska and want the Alaska mods on it, I would try to find one in Alaska that is already set up the way you want it. Going thru the process of setting up an Alaska plane is time consuming and expensive but doesn't raise the value of the plane much once it's done, especially the engine conversions.
I just bought my 170 this June in Alaska at well below market value. It was still structurally in good shape but ready for restoration. If I had got it for free it would not be worth what I will have in it when I'm finished. The seller realized that and reduced the price accordingly. I plan on flying it another 30 years or more and money spent now won't have to be spent in the coming years so it's worth it to me to do the work now and have a nice reliable plane to fly.
It all depends on what you want the plane for. There are a lot of nice, well cared for 170s in Alaska and some real dogs too. Just be sure whatever you do pay for a full blown "good" annual as your pre-purchase inspection. There are just too many reasons not to as George has so patiently reiterated on many occasions.
Look closely at the paperwork, chances are it will need some work, maybe a lot of work to get it legal. Just because it has a current annual doesn't mean it's legal. Problems found before purchase will aid in the negotiations. Let the seller fix the problems on his nickel because they will cost more than you can estimate no matter how much you know about fixing planes.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
2023 Best Original 170A at Sault Ste. Marie
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
2023 Best Original 170A at Sault Ste. Marie
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
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propwash55
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 7:48 am
How can I get a ahold of you? I might be putting my 55' B model up for sale, due to a change in jobs. I would look all over, but to get one in AK would still be eaiser! I don't know what kind of flying you plan on doing, but nowadays, getting field approvals are not as easy anymore due to the lower 48 way of thinking!!! Ya, I said it. If you get a plane down south, you will have to find a mechanic you trust to do all the inspections. I agree, you could prob find one cheaper, down there, but if you want the "Alaska" mods, it will take lots of time, and money. The ferry flight up would be a lot of fun if you have the time to do it. There are "dogs" everywhere, that's why I would stick looking harder in AK. That way if it is a dog, you didn't waste a lot of time and money. If you want pics of mine let me know!
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tigerman99515
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:48 am
Propwash55. e-mail me at georgef@thgcpa.com is easist way to contact me.
Have you had your plane for sale over the last year? Seen one for sale in Soldotna or maybe it was just the phone number that caught my attention.
I am fairly new pilot, done my time in 172R and some in 150. Lived here in AK the last 25 years. Have a 11 year old boy who likes to fish and want to fly out to Bristol Bar area to do some of that (yeah, I know, limited into where I can get in and out of with 145hp engine but I am definitely safety conscious) type of flying.
Alaska mods - absolutely. Looking for safety. STOL kit, 180 gear, climb prop - the usual stuff.
Definitely would like to buy one here in Alaska - folk's here seem to know the individual history of these birds flying around - who owned, damage history etc.
Got some pic's I can see?
Thanks
George
Have you had your plane for sale over the last year? Seen one for sale in Soldotna or maybe it was just the phone number that caught my attention.
I am fairly new pilot, done my time in 172R and some in 150. Lived here in AK the last 25 years. Have a 11 year old boy who likes to fish and want to fly out to Bristol Bar area to do some of that (yeah, I know, limited into where I can get in and out of with 145hp engine but I am definitely safety conscious) type of flying.
Alaska mods - absolutely. Looking for safety. STOL kit, 180 gear, climb prop - the usual stuff.
Definitely would like to buy one here in Alaska - folk's here seem to know the individual history of these birds flying around - who owned, damage history etc.
Got some pic's I can see?
Thanks
George
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