Looking for a ride in a 170, near PA

[Ray Davidowski]

Hi all,

I don't mean to be forward, but I was wondering if there's anyone with a 170 within a few hours of the Pittsburgh area who wouldn't mind showing off their plane to a recovering 140 owner? Preferably a ragwing or A, would consider an early B. Will drive up to 4 hours, so a radius something like eastern PA, western NY, most of Ohio, WV, MD, VA.

Just some background...my dad and I owned a '46 140 for 8 years, and I had a blast putting 800 hours on it. Last fall we decided to sell it. I would like to get another plane at some point when the time is right, and have done a fair amount of research, but I'm at a point where I just can't decide between another 140 or moving up to the 170 without checking out a 170 in person. I learned to fly in 1970s vintage 172s, but I don't think that would be a fair comparison.

I don't need to go so far as doing takeoffs and landings if you're not comfortable with that, but would at least like to taxi a little, note the sight picture during takeoff and landing, and maneuver in flight a little, from the right seat. Mostly trying to determine how much 'fun factor' might be lost moving up to the bigger plane. Will buy the gas (or pay your rate for tailwheel instruction if you use your 170 for that). Btw, I am again tailwheel current after some time in a Champ last month.

Can reply here, by PM, or email: n89864 (at) gmail.com

Thanks for the help,
Ray Davidowski

[GAHorn]

Ray, I've flown 120's/140's and 170's and I will predict you'll like the 170 very much. They really are more fun than the smaller airplanes, in my opinion, because while they handle very similarly, the 170 will allow you to take along another couple or kids or ???...... and yet will outperform the smaller 120/140...especially when flown with only one or two folks...
The cockpit view is actually much better than the 120/140 series as the cowl is very flat, the climb-attitude is as well, and the headroom and legroom is so much more.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Hello Ray.

Folks, Ray and I may both live in PA but we live about 5 hours drive from each other. Ray volunteered on a few weekends (doing what I can't remember) about 2 hours drive from me and so he and I were trying to meet near Lancaster PA for a demo ride some time last November. Well last minute work got in the way of our first scheduled meet and by December 3rd my 170 was damaged and unairworthy.

If there is someone closer to Ray who can get him in a 170 that would be great and make me feel better about not being able to get him a ride.

In the mean time Ray, I'm nearly a partner in another 170A and if you can't hook up with someone closer I might be able to try to meet you in my new to me 170A in a week or two. I'll warn you however this 170A has crosswind landing gear and controls in a taxi like no other 170 though I will let you try if we should meet.

So folks lets get Ray a ride.

[3958v]

Ray while I am not much closer to you than Bruce I would be glad to give you a ride in my ragwing. I am sure you will find a 170 just as much fun as a 140 but quite a bit more useful. It will cost you another 2-3 gallons per hour for fuel and your engine overhaul will cost a little more but that is minor when you consider the added utility you will get. As far as visibility on the ground and in the air it is the best of any classic tail dragger. If you can't find some one closer let me know and I will be glad to show you my plane and give you a short flight. Bill K

[n3833v]

We have a member at the Jimmy Stewart airport that has a 170. Jack Zimmer has a 48. PM me for more info.

John

[rupertjl]

Ray,

I'm based at St. Mary's, K2W6, in southern MD. I could fly NW a bit and meet you somewhere like Front Royal, VA so you wouldn't have to drive as far. I'm originally from Central PA so on occasion I'm near Mifflin CO (KRVL), State College (KUNV). I have a 1950 A model. PM if you'd like to set something up. I'll be in FL this coming week but will be back on the 25th if that fit's into you window.

v/r,
Jud

[Ray Davidowski]

I appreciate the responses so far. There was a '48 for sale in Illinois (maybe still is) that I've considered looking at, but wouldn't have been able to fly anyway because the owner isn't flying it and doesn't have the in-motion/in-flight insurance coverage active.

So figure I should get up in one before I make any hasty decisions. Not in a particular rush, can work something out any time over the next few months as schedules and weather permit.

Ray

[cessna170bdriver]

Ray,

Since you're not in a hurry, put the week of July 18-24 on your calendar for the 170 Convention in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It's only a 6-hour drive from Pittsburgh, and you should be able snag a ride or two. On Tuesday July 20 we're flying out to Battle Creek to tour the Waco factory, and Wednesday July 21 is airport day with maintenance forums, painting facility tour, a poker run, short takeoff, spot landing contests. We'll be hanging out there most of the day. Hope you can make it.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

John, I'm not sure Jack's 170 is airworthy right now.

[GAHorn]

Did anyone ever connect-up with Ray ?

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I did not.

[3958v]

I took care of it. He was a very nice and young gentleman of the type that general aviation could use a lot more of. He drove about 200 miles one way on a weekend so I knew he was genuinely interested. Turned out I had been parked next to him a year or two before at Sentimental Journey. He had taken a picture of 58V and posted it on Airliners. At any rate it was my pleasure to give him a sampling of flying a 170. Bill K

[GAHorn]

You're a Good-Man, Bill!

[Ray Davidowski]

Thanks for following up guys, and thanks again Bill! I did enjoy the flight and the hangar flying, I don't get to do that as much these days.

I'm pretty confident a 170 is the next step, will just be a matter of time and money (no surprise there). For one, the airport situation around here needs to settle down a bit. And I should probably be responsible and buy a house first anyway. I'd intend to pay it off within 5-7 years, then I can go after a 170 unhindered by a mortgage. Hopefully we won't be putting electric motors in them by then...

In the meantime I'll be in and out, but would like to keep in touch with you guys. Probably reason enough to join the club!

Ray

[GAHorn]

I've made more money buying/selling airplanes than I ever did on houses.