somewhat local cessna 170 test drive?

[Jonathan Guy]

Hello all....

My wife and I are in the market for a cessna 170 (we think). We are looking for someone who has a 170 close to the Maryland Eastern Shore area who could give us a detailed tour of the airplane. If anyone knows where I can rent one would be even better.

The 170 interest us for several reasons.

1.) We are looking for a plane that will carry our family ( 2 adults and 1 child (330Lb's total)) from Salisbury MD to Roanoke VA (appox. 200 miles) monthly.

2.) My wife is showing interest in getting her Private Pilot Cert.

3.) Operate off a private grass strip.

4.) I drive a tricycle (B737) for work and prefer not to drive one at home!!!!

Any information (or thoughts) would be great..
Thanks
Jonathan Guy

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Jonathon,

I'm not exactly near the eastern shore but would be happy to meet with you and show and talk 170s. If you have something to fly I'm about an hour north in Quakertown (UKT). Maybe a 2.5 hour drive. There are other members closer perhaps one of them will speak up. What private strip will you use near the eastern shore?

BTW a 170 will make an excellent airplane for what you want to so. One problem you should know going in though. It is difficult to find a tail wheel instructor let alone a one familiar with a 170 which of course at least your wife will need.

[GAHorn]

Hey, Jonathan! If it's the nose-wheel you don't like about the trike, then a 170 is perfect for you! If it's the tiller you don't like, then a 170 is perfect for you!

[Jonathan Guy]

Jonathon,

I'm not exactly near the eastern shore but would be happy to meet with you and show and talk 170s. If you have something to fly I'm about an hour north in Quakertown (UKT). Maybe a 2.5 hour drive. There are other members closer perhaps one of them will speak up. What private strip will you use near the eastern shore?

BTW a 170 will make an excellent airplane for what you want to so. One problem you should know going in though. It is difficult to find a tail wheel instructor let alone a one familiar with a 170 which of course at least your wife will need.

I might take you up on that. We would like to educate ourselves before we jump in head first.

As for a flight instructor for my wife...I plan on getting myself comfortable in the airplane then renewing my CFII. It might be fun to teach her and a great test on our marriage???

I was also wondering if there is any flying difference between the three models?

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I was also wondering if there is any flying difference between the three models?

It's been reported red and natural B models fly the fastest but there was at least one owner of a green and natural one that disputed that claim.

OK the truth is all the models fly just a bit different because they are differently equipped. B models have balanced elevators and bigger flaps. '48 170s tend to be lighter. Unless you have some particular reason to want to push the edge of an envelope for which one of these differences would be advantageous then any of the models will suit your needs. Very few owners swap models to "upgrade" to another model.

Many of us advise to buy the best example of any model you find.

[jrenwick]

....Many of us advise to buy the best example of any model you find.

And there are others who will insist on a "B" model, for the balanced elevators, better flaps, and better heater in the later years.

But you'll probably save money with an "A" model.

I know some who prefer the ragwing, it being the only model that might potentially have a useful load equal or better than the empty weight, if it's put together with a priority on lightness. It's all a matter of personal preference.

But I believe Bruce is right -- finding a 170 in great condition is probably more important than what model it is.

[4-Shipp]

As for a flight instructor for my wife...I plan on getting myself comfortable in the airplane then renewing my CFII. It might be fun to teach her and a great test on our marriage???

I

Jonathan,

My father always told me that the secret to hanging wall paper with your wife without conflict was to do it naked. He reasoned that it was much harder to argue with your wife that way. Applying this technique to flight instruction may be more challenging. Let us know how that goes, please

Welcome aboard.

[GAHorn]

Jonathan, the stories that 48/ragwings are lighter..... are not because the basic airframe is.... but because they typically were less-equipped. (When Cessna created the all-metal wing, they actually SAVED ten-pounds of empty-weight because of no need for internal bracing.) If you plan to fly up "nawth" or in cold wx, you will want a post '53 B-model for the cabin heat to keep her feet warm. Otherwise, all the other models will keep your left, big-toe hot just fine. They all have nice handling qualities, ...the all metal ones have better/more aileron control.

The best way to test a marriage is to launch-and-recover a trailered boat on a windy day together. The second best way, is to try to teach your wife to fly. I know a good instructor or two I can recommend, if you want to keep her. If you insist on teaching her yourself, I know a lawyer who will take your airplane in lieu of fees.

[pojawis]

Jonathan:

I'm based in Gettysburg, PA and you could have a tour of my B model just about any time. Maybe make a day of it and tour G-burg. Some good restaurants there as well. I favor the Appalchian brew-pub. They have some seasonal and unique beers, ales, porters, stouts, etc. there. From the Shore (let's say Kent Island) it's a little over an hour to W05.

There's a fly in/drive in "Wings and Wheels" breakfast there this weekend. I won't be flying as I'm finishing up my annual inspection. For details on the fly in: http://gettysburgbarnstormers.googlepages.com/home

I do make trips to Ridgely (RJD) from time to time, if that would suit you better. The trouble is when I do go, it's usually at a moment's notice.

[rupertjl]

Jonathan,
I'm based out of K2W6, St. Mary's Regional, near Patuxent River NAS. I actually was at OXB yesterday, but I'd be more than happy to let you take her around the patch if you like. Heck I'll even fly to you if you want (excuse to go somehwere!) I have a 1950 A model. I actually bought it from a guy in Lewes DE, near Eagles Crest strip.

feel free to contact me anytime or PM me.

v/r,
Jud

[n3833v]

I am a little farther north, but we have a 53 possibly for sale and my 48 on the field at Deck - 9D4.

John