Summary

Hailing from a time when all trainer aircraft were armed with a tailwheel, the Cessna 120 and 140 would morph into the most popular training aircraft of all time: the tricycle geared Cessna 150. Notoriously underpowered, the fabric-wing economy model 120 (no flaps) and full-featured model 140 (flaps), and later the 140A (modern style metal wing) would usher thousands of pilots through initial training and into larger aircraft. But for the purist, these 2-seaters are lightweight joys to fly. With a little practice a lot of respect for their limitations, they can take you most anywhere in the backcountry.

Photos

Photo: Dan Bailey Photographer Dan Bailey's Cessna 120 stands out against the frigid background of a snow-covered Alaska lake.

Model distinctions

Cessna 140

Produced 1946-1948

Cessna 120

Produced 1946-1948

Cessna 140A

Produced 1949-1951

Specifications

This is not required but is certainly appreciated by any who come after you doing their research. Here's a basic suggested list of specs to include:

Notable issues

There are some common performance considerations with some models, as well as some well-documented recurring points of interest that potential buyers should look out for. Lack of or exclusion from popular STCs, for instance.