I was learning so much it was like drinking water from a firehose, so he could write up a much more interesting narrative of the trip than I could!I have been a member for close to a year now, and this forum/group has been invaluable in my education and helping me know what to look for in my buying process.
I flew from 1995 until 2000, obtaining my PPL ASEL/AMEL with High Horsepower and Complex endorsements in my first 150 hours. I had started a tailwheel endorsement back then, but the AMEL opportunity dropped in my lap and after finishing that, I never finished the Tailwheel. I stopped flying for the usual reasons IE: Got married, had a child, bought a house etc. I have missed flying considerably however.
I had thought I would build an aircraft and went through a series of thoughts on the subject. Originally had looked at and have plans for a Steen Skybolt, then fell in love with the RV-4's. As I got older decided that I wanted to spend less time building and more time flying so researched and joined the CH-750 groups. Finally, at 60 years old said to heck with it, I want to fly and not build, and I want a tailwheel plane to go back country/ camping etc.
Fell in love with a C-120 at the Arlington, WA airshow, but that one did not work out as I ultimately decided I needed more room and HP for my mission. Thus my joining here and researching for the last year.The 170 is simply a beautiful airplane, with more Horsepower and room.
The one overriding consistency I have seen here, in reading threads all the way back to 2002, were the recommendations to find an airframe that is good, and that a RED one was much preferred over Green………I managed to succeed on both counts!
I had wanted a 170B and almost bought one locally, but that fell through to no fault of the individual. Jughead has already outlined the various airframes/planes I ran by him as well. Finally found this plane in Chandler, AZ from an owner who did not want to sell, but wanted to buy a 3rd airplane and his wife was limiting him to "just" two. The buying process was very good, dealing with incredibly friendly and helpful people while down there.
Airframe time is the mid 4400 hours range, engine has 700+ SMOH, prop new in 2003, although the whole engine was dismantled and 4 new cylinders and new camshaft were installed at that time, so a near major overhaul just 317 hours ago. Wings have had some "wind damage" in the past so repaired. Last 3 owners were located in AZ so airframe is shiny and clean throughout. Thus, I have ended up with an "A" model and am very happy with my purchase!
Last owner upgraded avionics considerably, so making the 2020 mandate will be very easy since I fly under the Seattle Class B airspace.
On the forum History page, it states that the first Model 170A had serial number 18730.
N5776C is serial number 19730, so it looks to be the 1000th 170A built!
