Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

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wesley2012
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Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 7:12 pm

Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

Post by wesley2012 »

Good evening. I have a 1955 Cessna 170B with the stock engine. Snow is starting to fall here in the Anchorage, AK area and I want to install skis this winter. I have researched on the forums extensively and see this topic has been discussed to some degree before. My 170 had not been rigged for skis. I am looking at either installing a set of Landis 3000 skis or a set of Aero 3000s. I have an Aero T3000 tail ski. I am looking for recommendations as to which is a better ski for the 170. Have any of you had experience with both of these skis on a 170? Also, my IA just retired and my new IA has very little experience with ski installations. If anyone would like to recommend a mechanic in the Anchorage or Matsu area for rigging skis I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
hilltop170
Posts: 3481
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

Post by hilltop170 »

I have no experience with those skis.

There are three good IAs in your area who would do a good job on initial installation.
Wick Air next to 3-Bears on Palmer-Wasilla Hwy
Butch Cavanaugh at Anderson Lake
Mark Kapsner at Willow
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
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BeeMan
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Re: Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

Post by BeeMan »

I have a '52 170B that I enjoy flying on Airglas (Landis) L2500A straight skis. I typically operate light in the winter (back seat out, two persons with fuel and camping or ski gear) and find the 2500 to be a good "fit" for the aircraft. The L3000 should work well and handle heavier weight although then you will be wanting more power. If you get serious about ski flying, I think an 8042 prop should be on your wish list too.
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Ron Smith
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Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2012 6:35 pm

Re: Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

Post by Ron Smith »

I have had both and prefer the Aero 3000's. Attaching them with Atlee Dodge springs(you will have to get them approved). If you go to Stddards and look in the back consignment area there is a set of both of them. If you get the Aero's remove any metal from the bottoms and replace it with the plastic runners. Then go to REI and buy some unversal cross country ski wax. apply it to the ski bottoms and then iron it on. Best performance ever.
wesley2012
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Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 7:12 pm

Re: Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

Post by wesley2012 »

Thank you everyone for the replies so far. I cannot say enough good things about the association and all it's members. All the help and information has made owning my 170 an even greater pleasure.

Ron, why do you prefer the Aero 3000 over the Landis 3000? From what I have read I will be 22 lbs lighter with the Aeros. Also the Aeros are shorter and wider which I have been told will make it easier to turn around. At this point I am leaning toward the Aero 3000 ski but more information is always welcome! I don't plan to put skis on till February but want to get everything figured out and in order before then. Thanks again.
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mit
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Joined: Wed May 01, 2002 1:54 am

Re: Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

Post by mit »

Have had 2 170s bought first pair of Landis 2500's skis in about 82. They work fine and the factory is right there with good support. The STC is simple if your mechanic can't follow the instructions get another mechanic.
Tim
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Ron Smith
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Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2012 6:35 pm

Re: Aero 3000 or Landis 3000 Skis for Cessna 170B

Post by Ron Smith »

Yes the turning radius is shorter for the Aero it also helps to have a penetration tail ski. I have had Burl's since 1988. You can increase the size of the 1/4' bottoms by 1 1/2" all around and get increased capacity with little increase in weight. You can buy and have the bottoms heat formed at CAC Plastics in Wasilla, the owner is a pilot. Two 1/4 inch directional runners about an inch wide and 4' long are a must. I have a bolt hole drilled in the skis just outside of the pedestal, if operating in ice conditions, install bolts head down and they will act as brakes and save your butt, you dont even know they are there in any snow. Aeros are tougher they will take hitting creek and lake banks and hidden stumps. The Aero maker will send you STC paper work for free.
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