Well, I'm the proud papa of a hunk of aluminum 20 years older than me...finally! I think I'm going to write an article for the site called "Buying an Airplane."

Zane,
Congrats on the 170! I nearly purchased a 170 myself and have always been fond of them. A doctor has one at our field (Columbia O22) that is pristine including a 180hp conversion and a center stack ifr / gps moving map panel. The thing is drop dead gorgeous...

Save some upgrade money for fuel and go have fun!!!

Mark

She looks great! Have a blast learning to fly her with the O-300... She'll make a great tailwheel pilot out of you yet! We've done alotta stuff to our bird - and don't regret any of it... But honestly, that first year of flying around - stressing about high density altitiude, watching the oil temp gauge real close, and using every windward slope for extra lift - included some of our fondest memories in our 170! Can't wait to see her someday... Congrats!

Matt

Way to go Zane, I just want to add that planes are like horses in that they require constant attention. Wash me, bleed my brakes, give me those double puck Clevelands, lube my pulleys, etc.. Don't forget about taking care of other things, especially young ladies, that need attention too. You've got to keep it all in perspective. So for every four hours you spend on the plane, call and say hello at least once. For every ten thousand dollars you spend on the plane, but her one nice juicy Big Mac, and rent a 99 cent movie at Albertsons. Every now and then hang around and watch the movie with her. It's all about balance.
Good luck
Jeff

A 170 guy up in Fairbanks,Timbre Holton, used to have a website where he showed pics of & talked about some of his northern bush adventures. He flies a 145 horse B model with a float prop and big tires. I don't think he'll mind if I quote his website: "more horsepower is just an excuse for lack of skill" or something along that line.
Now don't get mad at me, I'm just quoting him! ( where's that little "angel" emoticon when you need it?)

Eric

Can't wait to bang it to the stops on the old C-145, though I wish I had more horsepower to make up for my mediocre skills...Eric. She's quite a cherry, I feel like I stepped into yesteryear with the antique panel. Look for my article in the next few days.

The Rogue Valley(and Grants Pass in particular) in southern oregon has been IFR all week. Cold air settling in the low spot of the valley and no wind has made for a Degobah*-like condition.

Well, Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. I sure am thankful to have this community and look forward to meeting some of you in the next year.

Zane

* The foggy, swampy planet that Yoda lived on in The Empire Strikes Back.

Hey Zane, I don't see a "N" number on your plane. I put a 2 inch high one on mine. It was as close as I could get to... "leave no trace"
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Bob White

Congrats, Zane! Looking forward to seeing you and your new toy in the near future.

Bob-

I have to confess...my N number is on the tail in 3" numbers, but I Photoshopped it off. I don't like putting any info on the internet that can lead back to my home address. All you guys will see it up close and personal someday soon anyhow.

Z

I'm a firm believer in small tailnumbers... for looks, if not for anonymity. I also use "white Cessna" when making postion reports, & most non-ATC coms. When questioned about this by busybody pilots, I tell them that if they can read my tailnumber in the air, they're too damn close! Or tell them not to worry about my tailnumber, just "see and avoid" any white Cessna's and we'll all be just fine.

Eric

Eric,

I use that too. "White and red Cessna on left downwind for 26" is more descriptive for visual identification in my opinion than stating your N-number. Then when I fly the ultralight, it's the same deal. "Red and white ultralight." That's all anyone needs to know for safety's sake. I can't find anything in the AIM about reporting procedures at a non-towered airport.

It's all about safety isn't it? I don't care what my numbers represent to other pilots, I want to be seen! As a couple of guys here know, my call sign in the pattern is (obviously) "Yellowmaule" Seems there a lot of people who don't know what a Maule is but I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't know what yellow is. I know of two occasions for a fact that it saved a potential incident. I've even used it at a busy, towered airport for the ground controller with their appreciation.
That being said, Zane, We are very happy for you. Follow Punkin's advice and save the upgrades & FLY THE PANTS OFF HER! I don't care what anyone says, get to the point that you wear the plane instead of driving it. It takes time and focus. What a great plane, your'e off on a great adventure. Now you have also eliminated the excuses for not joining us on our breakfast runs!

Hey, good on ya Zane. What a little beauty!!

If I get over to Reno when I get back, maybe you can show me how that black relief tube thingy works.

Also, if that HP/skill equation is valid, look out for those DOLTS in the turbine Maules with amphib floats.

YB

Yellowbelly,

Warning: Using another man's relief tube can be both unsanitary and socially awkward. Plus I can't figure out which end ya use.

Zane-

Congratulations! As someone who hopes to buy a plane in the next 2 to 3 years, I am very interested to learn from your experiences. Keep posting updates...first trips, etc...

Zim

Zim,

I'm going to post a "Buying an Airplane" article soon. If I can do it, anyone can.

Z