Cessna 170 or 140

[GAD]

I want to buy a plane to do some sight seeing, some recreational cross country flying and use as a trainer, to teach my kids to how to fly. I am debating between a Cessna 140 and a 170. Could any of you offer some advice?

Thanks, Greg

[davevramp]

I have one of each now, 140 and 170. Fly both
The one 140 is a fantastic trainer. You will learn a lot from an 85 HP trainer at gross. I flew fro 20 plus years be for the 140 put me back into training. I love them both. I hate to sell the 140 but 2 aircraft is one to many. If you have any questions that you think I can answer let me know. I am located in South Jersey nj74. If you are close come on over and fly them both.
Dave

[N2865C]

I owned a 120 for 5 years and have had my 170 for 3. They are both GREAT airplanes. FWIW here are my observations.

I always describe the difference between the two like this. When you get in a 120/140 you feel like you are going flying. In a 170 you feel like you are going somewhere. Similar to the difference between driving a sporty 2 door coupe and a Cadillac. Both great rides, just different.

You can load up a 170 with 2 people and all the camping gear you need. Camping in a 120/140 is possible, but you have to cut the handles off your toothbrush. For long cross country's the 170 is a comfortable cruising machine. 4 hours in a 120/140 with 2 people is, well.....very cozy.

At around 100 hours a year your operating costs will be a couple of thousand dollars less per year in a 120/140.

IMHO a 120/140 makes a much better trainer. It is lighter and you have to fly it all the time. In a 170 you just trim it up and point it in the right direction. I think 120/140's are much more forgiving of botched landings.

I love my 170, especially for long cross country flights and camping, but I have to admit that I do miss my 120 for pure fun and sometimes consider downsizing. Whatever you decide on you will be a happy guy.

[iowa]

i also had a 140 for many years.
i liked it very much,
and found that with the
4" extentions on the forward wheels
that it was not that hard to land.
but, i needed a bigger airplane
so moved on up to a 170.
here is my 140 in lincoln, ne in '79
dave

[3958v]

Greg THey are both great planes but if you plan to travel much the 170 will be a better choice as it will do better with baggage at higher altitude airports. But as said prviously it will cost a little more in the long term. I considered both but my wife suggested the 170 and I am glad she did. Bill K

[CraigH]

They are both great planes. I've owned a 140A and a 170B. If I was doing anything other than short solo $100 hamburger runs and had to pick between the two - it would be the 170. The better load carrying, better performance and increased utility give it an edge over the 120/140. However, if money is a factor in your decision, you can still have plenty of fun in a 140.

Here's a pic of my old 140A: http://www.cessna120.com/PhotoGallery/1572.jpg

[170C]

You have already received a bunch of good info on this subject. I think John hit the nail on the head. I learned to fly in a '48 140 and I am sure glad that I did. It cemented in me the love/desire to fly conventional gear planes although my first owned plane was a '65 182, still one of the best all around planes IMHO. After selling the 182 I purchased a '50 140A and throughly enjoyed it during my ownership. I personally like the extra room, speed (although I wouldn't choose a 170 over a 140 just for speed advantage because there isn't that much, expecially the ragwing 140'ss) and the upright seating vs the 120/140's. I flew mine to Dayton, OH & Oshkosh in "86 along with my then 9 yr old daughter (I will cherish that for the rest of my life) and our camping gear. Like was mentioned, you have to watch what you carry, size wise, in the 140, but it is adequate and cheaper to operate. 4.5 - 5.5 gph vs 7+. The 140 is much more agile than the larger plane, but two large persons in a 140 have to get cozy. If I had to make a choice I would probably go with the 170 because of its larger cabin, etc., but if I could teach someone to fly in a 140, then transition to the 170 that might be the way I would go. As was said, the 140 will make you fly the airplane, no sitting there with feet flat on the floor unless it is extremely smooth.

[GAD]

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to pass on you thoughts. I have to admit it almost makes the decision a little harder although the initial purchase price may be the greatest influencing factor.

Thanks again,

Greg

[iowa]

craig
that is a pretty 140!!
i never did fix mine up.
i traded it to an oil man
down in texas and it restored it!!
dave

[170C]

That is a pretty 140. There are a bunch of them around in our area of TX and a couple of nice ones at GPM. I sold my '50 140A (9693A) to a gentleman in Wichita Falls, TX who taught his wife to fly in it, then tore it down and redid it from spinner to nav light. Ended up with a C-O200 in it and won every flyin award, including Oshkosh I believe, that an A model could qualify for. Ended up on several aviation publication front pages as NPD140. Last time I visited with him he had given it to his grandson in the Houston area.

[CraigH]

Frank,
I sold mine to a gentleman from the Conroe area. He showed up at Reklaw last year and we spent few hours talking airplanes. It will probably be there this year too.

[Bill Rusk]

Ole Pokey

Small world. I know Dave and Pat Eby well and I have even flown your old bird. Dave did a beautiful job on your 140.
He taught me a lot about tail wheel flying in his Thorpe T-18.

Bill

[170C]

Yes Bill, Dave and Pat are really good folks. I got to fly Dave's T-18 once and the 140 once after Dave purchased it. Although I haven't talked to Dave or Pat in quite some time, I did meet the owner of Wichita Valley airport last year and he indicated he had dinner with Dave on a regular basis. The next time I am in WF I need to call him. I used to go out to the airport when I was there on business and was always amazed at the skills of the various folks there. I know there are folks like that at many, many airports around the country. Sure helps to keep GA alive.