I am new to the page, looking to make new friends and learn some things. I have an opportunity to trade my Zenith stol 750 for a really nice Cessna 170A. I know what the differences are between all the 170 models. I know the B model is a better plane but I'm getting a great deal on an A model. Can an A model be a worthy Backcountry plane? Thanks

I would say absolutely can be. Slips are fun. Fly it lots and enjoy.

Zeniths are capable planes too but I’m too vain to own one. I’d sure choose one over no plane though:)

I get by with mine. It’s a better airplane than I am a pilot.






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The difference, after slipping down to short final, is that the nose will be higher with the same airspeed and Vso will be different. That said, we are not touching down slowly and softly at Vso. We are touching down slowly and softly at whatever airspeed will just barely support the weight at one inch ground effect.

We get slow the same way as with 40 degrees of flap on the later Cessnas. We pitch up on short final enough to create a good sink. Pitch attitude will be much higher in the 170A, but the rounded windscreen with the round fuselage allows pretty good visibility ahead and down. We are aiming, with rudder and throttle only (aileron will screw this up), at the numbers (desired touchdown spot exactly, exactly.) Rudder maintains longitudinal alignment (and keeps the wing level at the same time) and throttle movement directs us down the desired glide angle and manages rate of descent to touchdown. Exactly same thing in a crosswind with the wing in stabilized bank into the crosswind (use aileron to maintain wing bank angle but not, absolutely not, to direct the nose down the centerline. That is a rudder only job. Throttle and engine power, perhaps lots, to touchdown. If we have to round out and close the throttle we are going too fast, even in a 170A or Citabria. Hold off with elevator controlling speed (which it does very well) and altitude (which it does very poorly) is not a short field technique.

Welcome, by the way. So no problem with the airplane. Pilot needs to learn power/pitch deceleration on short final to touchdown well below Vso on the numbers consistently for short off field operations. Read Safe Maneuvering Flight Techniques for the apparent brisk walk rate of closure approach. Email me [email protected]. It is free.

The A model is a well kept secret. The book full flap stall speed for the A model is 1 MPH higher than the B model so no difference. Yeah the B model has bigger flaps for steeper approaches but you cant slip a B model but you can slip an A model so I guess they both can have equally steep approaches. The B has a better heater and the B wing has dihedral which makes it a little bit more stable and hands off in level flight. As far as I am concerned the B model is slightly better but not worth the price difference. Put 1000 hours on my A model in the mountains of Montana and Idaho. I routinely landed off airport and on gravel bars. Loved that plane but sold it for a Supercub which I like even more.

Thanks. I think I’m going to be very happy with it.

Plus your now a lifetime member of The Knights of the Round Tail & Holy Order of the Round Tails. We are a bit of a motley crew but get the job done in style.

I'd but the 170A and never look back. My hangar mate has a Duke. He watched me have so much fun in my 185 he decided to buy a 170A as well. I love flying it! I think you will be happy.

MW

cowpilot wrote:I get by with mine. It’s a better airplane than I am a pilot.






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Great looking 170! Did you paint your gear? I'm in the process of of stripping my Cessna 175 and I'm not sure what to do with the main gear yet.

Jason

There’s a lot to love about an A model. If you don’t have a lot of Taildragger time get yourself a good tail wheel flight Instructor and spend some good quality time with him.


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Sand Hill CNC wrote:Great looking 170! Did you paint your gear? I'm in the process of of stripping my Cessna 175 and I'm not sure what to do with the main gear yet.

Jason

Thanks! Yes, the gear and wingtips are just rattle canned. The strip and polish, along with the spartan interior are all in an effort to keep it as light as possible.

Brent


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cowpilot wrote:

Sand Hill CNC wrote:Great looking 170! Did you paint your gear? I'm in the process of of stripping my Cessna 175 and I'm not sure what to do with the main gear yet.

Jason

Thanks! Yes, the gear and wingtips are just rattle canned. The strip and polish, along with the spartan interior are all in an effort to keep it as light as possible.

Brent


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Thanks for the response. That is probably how I will deal with mine as well. I may have a stripe down the middle of the fuselage too. I'm in a process of lightening mine as well so when I get the Airglas fork and 8.50x6 tires on, it won't be such a weight penalty. Plus my paint job looked like Earl Shively did it, so a polish should be a big upgrade.