Cessna 170

Overview

The Cessna 170B is a quintessential classic taildragger that serves as the bridge between early GA designs and the modern Cessna 172. Introduced in 1952, the ‘B’ model is widely considered the most desirable variant due to its ‘Para-lift’ slotted Fowler flaps, the same design used on the military L-19 Bird Dog, which provide exceptional short-field capability. It features all-metal construction and a six-cylinder Continental C-145 (O-300) engine.

Key Features for GA Buyers

STOL Capability. The 40-degree Fowler flaps allow for very steep approaches and impressive short-field performance, a genuine advantage over most fixed-gear four-seaters of the era.

Four-Seat Utility. Unlike many taildraggers, the 170B offers a genuine four-seat cabin and can often carry full fuel with a reasonable payload: a combination that makes it competitive with early tricycle-gear contemporaries on practical utility.

Support and Community. Parts availability is strong and the International Cessna 170 Association maintains an active owner network, making maintenance research and parts sourcing more tractable than for many vintage types.

Trade-offs

• Tailwheel Handling. As a conventional gear aircraft, it requires a tailwheel endorsement and constant attention during takeoff and landing to avoid ground loops.
• Cabin Noise. The 170 series is known for being relatively loud inside, often requiring high-quality ANR headsets for comfort on longer legs.
• Baggage Access. Lacks an external baggage door: all cargo must be loaded through the front doors and over the seats.

See Also

• Cessna 140 – the two-seat predecessor the 170 evolved from; same tailwheel lineage, half the seats. Compare
• Cessna 120 – the stripped sibling of the 140, sharing the same post-war Cessna DNA. Compare
• Cessna Skyhawk 172/Cutlass – the tricycle-gear successor that replaced the 170 in production: same airframe philosophy, much lower training burden. Compare
• Cessna 180 Skywagon – the performance step-up in the Cessna taildragger line, with a larger engine and significantly higher cruise speed. Compare
• Piper PA-20 Pacer – a direct four-seat contemporary from Piper: similar mission, different configuration. Compare