Cessna by Textron Aviation

In June 1911, Clyde Cessna first built and flew a powered aircraft. For aviation, this was monumental as his only relevant aviation experience was improving farm machinery and developing new farming methods. 

After attending an aerial exhibition in 1910, Clyde became enamored with aviation, testing his own aircraft designs in Enid, Oklahoma. However, he encountered financial difficulties – leading him back to his home in Wichita, Kansas. At first, he co-founded Travel Air Manufacturing Co. in 1924. But he left in 1927 to start Cessna Aircraft Company. Cessna debuted its successful monoplane designs here. 

Financial challenges didn’t leave Clyde alone. The Great Depression forced him to close Cessna’s doors in 1931. That didn’t stop Clyde from advancing in aviation. He co-founded the C.V. Cessna Aircraft Co. alongside his son, Eldon. 

Unfortunately, Clyde lost a close friend in a crash – making him decide to step back from aviation entirely. The drive to reach new heights ran in the family where Dwane Wallace, Clyde’s nephew, revived the company in 1934. 

The Cessna 170 series (including the Cessna 170 A/B) began a long path of aviation success starting in 1948. This aircraft series ultimately led to the iconic Cessna 172 series. 

Cessna 172 Becomes The Most Produced Aircraft

The Cessna 170A and 170B stand out as significant evolutions in the lineage of classic taildraggers, each bringing key advancements that improved handling, durability, and overall performance. 

Introduced in 1949, the 170A was the first in the series to feature an all-metal wing with a single strut, replacing the fabric-covered wings of the original 170. However, it retained a flat wing design with zero dihedral, which gave it a more traditional flight feel but slightly different stability characteristics compared to later models. 

The most notable leap came with the 170B in 1952, when Cessna introduced dihedral to the wings, enhancing lateral stability and making it a more forgiving aircraft in flight. The 170B also received large, modified Fowler-style flaps – similar to those later used on the Cessna 172 – which significantly improved slow-speed handling and short-field performance. Additionally, the 170B had a larger horizontal stabilizer and refined aerodynamics, making it the most advanced version of the 170 series. These improvements helped cement the 170B as a highly sought-after aircraft for backcountry flying and classic aviation enthusiasts.

Once the Cessna 172 (better known as the Cessna Skyhawk 172) replaced the Cessna 170 series, it became the most produced and the most popular aircraft on the market. There are several reasons for this, including:

  • Reliability
  • Easy-to land
  • Agility
  • Safety record

Although Cessna has manufactured over 44,000 172 units, both the 170A and 170B remain highly sought after among pilots for their reliability, versatility, and timeless design.

  • Country of Origin: America

Cessna 170 A/B Statistics

The following contains information about the most recent Cessna 170 A/B within its A series:

  • Maximum Speed: 143 knots
  • Maximum Range: 410 nm
  • Maximum Occupants: 4
  • Range of Years Manufactured: 1948-1950
  • Total Aircraft Build: 9,170
  • Current Operational Aircraft: 2,427
  • Useful Load: 910 lbs.
  • Average Sale Value: $71,807
  • Average Days On Market For Sale: 5 Days
  • VREF Demand Rating: VREF Online

The following contains information about the most recent Cessna 170 B in this series:

  • Maximum Speed: 122 knots
  • Maximum Range: 410 nm
  • Maximum Occupants: 4
  • Range Of Years Manufactured: 1952-1956
  • Total Aircraft Build: 5,174
  • Current Operational Aircraft: 2,427
  • Useful Load: 910 lbs.
  • Average Sale Value: $96,209
  • Average Days On Market For Sale: 5 Days
  • VREF Demand Rating: VREF Online

Operational Resources

Operations Manual

Maintenance Document

Local Resources

Manufacturer

Insurance

Cessna 170 A/B Details

Interior

Cessna 170A offers a simple yet functional interior designed for general aviation and recreational flying. With seating for up to 4 occupants, it provides a cozy cabin with basic amenities suited for comfortable cross-country travel. The aircraft includes a spacious baggage area that allows for convenient storage of personal belongings and gear, making it a practical choice for pilots and passengers alike.

Cessna 170B features an improved interior compared to its predecessor, offering seating for up to 4 occupants. Designed for both personal and utility flying, it includes upgraded seating and enhanced visibility with larger windows for a more enjoyable flight experience. A dedicated baggage compartment provides ample space for passenger belongings, making the 170B a versatile choice for both leisure and adventure flying.

Exterior

Cessna 170A is a classic taildragger known for its rugged yet refined design, making it a favorite among backcountry and recreational pilots. This aircraft retains the original Cessna 170’s rounded fuselage but features an all-metal wing with a single strut, improving durability and aerodynamics. Its reliable airframe and improved wing design offer better handling and performance compared to its predecessor.

Cessna 170B uses the proven design of the 170A with enhanced aerodynamics and improved control authority. It features the same all-metal construction but introduces redesigned flaps similar to those of the later Cessna 172, giving it superior low-speed handling. With a larger horizontal stabilizer and modified wing profile, the 170B provides smoother performance, making it a versatile and capable aircraft for both backcountry and cross-country flying.

Avionics

Cessna 170 A/B variants may or may not include the following avionics:

  • 180 horsepower Lycoming 0-360 Engine With 2000 TBO
  • Hartzell Constant Speed Prop (No AD)
  • Baggage Door (170s Do Not Have Baggage Doors Normally)
  • Extended Baggage
  • 39 Gallons Fuel Capacity
  • One-piece Windshield
  • Inertia Reel Shoulder Harnesses
  • Rosen Visors
  • Individual Rear Seats
  • Hat Shelf
  • Right Side Openable Window
  • Brackett Air Filter
  • LED Landing Light
  • Map Light
  • Small Raised Gas Caps
  • Scott Tailwheel
  • Wingtip Strobes

170 Specifications

  • Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Tail Wheel
  • Max Seats: 4
  • Max Takeoff Weight: 2,200 lbs.
  • Cruise: 104 kts
  • Length: 25 ft.
  • Height: 6 ft. 6 in.
  • Range: 410 nm
  • Takeoff (50 ft.): 1,820 ft.
  • Landing (50 ft.): 1,145 ft.
  • Wing Span: 36 ft.

Cessna 170 A/B Models

The following includes all Cessna 170 variants:

Cessna 170

In 1948, the 170 entered the aviation market as the 4-seat version of the 140. It included an extra fuel tank in one wing, totaling fuel at 36 gallons among the 3 tanks. 

Cessna 170A

From 1949 to 1950, Cessna marketed the 170A to have an all-metal 170 with zero-dihedral wing tapered outboard of the slightly enlarged plain flaps, and a single strut replacing the “V” strut of the 170. Its fin/rudder shape is similar to that of the Cessna 190 and 195 models.

Cessna 305

The 305 is the military variant of the 170, used by the United States in 1950. It was adapted so that it could be used primarily for forward air control and reconnaissance. 

Cessna 170B

In 1952, the 170A was updated to feature a dihedral similar to the 305. In addition, the 170B saw the Fowler wing flaps – which live on in Cessna single engines today. It featured a 145-horsepower Continental C145-2 engine, a new tailplane, and a revised tailwheel bracket. Production ended in 1956. 

Top Cessna 170 A/B Questions

Check out the answers to the most common questions about Cessna 170 A/B.

What Are The Key Differences Between Cessna 170A & Cessna 170B?

The biggest difference between the Cessna 170A and the Cessna 170B is its handling. This is because Cessna gave the 170B 3 degrees on its dihedral. Additionally, they also changed the hinged flaps to a semi-Fowler design.

What Is The Typical Annual Cost Of Ownership For A Cessna 170 A/B?

Cessna 170 A/B owners can expect annual maintenance costs to be about $15,000 (based on 100 annual flight hours). This estimate includes approximate costs on inspection costs, storage, insurance, refurbishing, depreciation, maintenance, and fuel. Keep in mind that the annual cost of ownership is made up of both fixed and variable costs. 

How Much Does A Cessna 170 A/B Cost?

The price of a Cessna 170A typically ranges from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on several factors such as airframe hours, maintenance history, and avionics upgrades. The 170A is slightly older and can be found at a lower price point compared to the 170B. However, well-maintained models with modern avionics can still command higher prices.

For a Cessna 170B, you can expect to spend around $96,209 on average. Total cost varies significantly based on aircraft conditions and modifications. The 170B is often more desirable due to its improved aerodynamics, larger flaps, and dihedral wing design, which enhance its overall handling characteristics. Heavily upgraded or restored models can sometimes exceed $100,000, especially those with STOL kits or modern avionics.

How Fast Is A Cessna 170 A/B?

Both Cessna 170A and 170B models have a typical cruise speed of 104 knots, making them efficient choices for cross-country flights while maintaining good fuel economy. The 170A’s lightweight design and zero-dihedral wings contribute to its handling characteristics, though its flat-wing design provides slightly different stability compared to the 170B. To compare, the 170B features an improved wing design with dihedral and Fowler flaps, enhancing low-speed handling and short-field performance. While neither model matches the speed of modern aircraft, the 170B’s refinements make it a more forgiving and capable taildragger.

How Easy Is It To Fly A Cessna 170 A/B?

The Cessna 170A is a relatively straightforward aircraft to fly, but as a taildragger, it requires more skill in ground handling, particularly during takeoff and landing. 

Unlike tricycle-gear aircraft, it demands precise rudder control to prevent ground loops, making it a more challenging but rewarding aircraft for pilots with proper training. The Cessna 170B improves upon the 170A’s handling with its dihedral wing design and larger Fowler flaps, making it more forgiving and stable in flight. 

However, like all taildraggers, it still requires careful technique to manage safely on the ground. As the predecessor to the Cessna 172, many pilots choose the 172 for its tricycle gear and status as the most popular training aircraft, but the 170B remains highly regarded among experienced pilots who appreciate the versatility and performance of a classic tailwheel aircraft.

What Engine Does A Cessna 170 A/B Have?

Cessna 170A and 170Bs are powered by the Continental C-145-2 or O-300-A engine, a six-cylinder, air-cooled, carbureted engine producing 145 horsepower. This engine provides reliable performance and is known for its durability, though some aircraft have been upgraded with more powerful engines for enhanced STOL capabilities.

The C-145/O-300-A engine allows both models to operate efficiently at moderate power settings, making them excellent for long flights while keeping fuel burn relatively low. While these engines are generally reliable, many owners opt for modern upgrades, such as installing a Lycoming O-320 or fuel-injected conversions, to increase horsepower and improve overall performance.

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