The International Cessna 170 Association

New to the board and Association. As I have started looking to buy I used the CFI list and member directory to compile a list of possible CFIs to use to meet my required training. One thing I haven't seen is a list of recommended/interested maintenance professionals who do 170 pre-buy inspections etc. Since getting a quality inspection is extremely important I wanted to make sure I hadn't overlooked a link/list. Is there a thread/link/list I should reference?

Thanks,

Shaun

GREAT IDEA! You just started the thread!

Anyone with an A&P certificate, especially with Inspection Authorization who regularly maintains 170’s would be ideal. One who has Cessna 120/140 experience would also be a good choice. And it would seem logical that a Cessna 172 guy would be a good choice but BE CAUTIONED that there are significant differences between later 172 aircraft and 170s.

Also, to parrot a famous 170 maintenance guru and originality nut (mostly), there is no such thing as a "pre-buy" inspection. It can be anything from a quick glance at 100 feet to a detail inspection but since there is no criteria for a pre-buy, there is also no accountability or certification requirements of the inspector. Anyone can do a "pre-buy" but only an IA can sign off an annual inspection.

ALWAYS get a full annual inspection from an IA who knows 170s and has NOT been the one maintaining it. There are specific criteria for an annual inspection and it will be signed off by the IA in the aircraft logbooks. It can be an inspection ONLY with a list of discrepancies, repairs are not required at the time of the inspection.

Any airworthiness issues should be the responsibility of the seller and can be used to negotiate the sale price. Cosmetic issues are negotiable.

A full annual inspection can be very cheap insurance against major defects. Remember, once you buy the plane the problems are yours. It's much better to find them before you own them.

hilltop170 wrote:Also, to parrot a famous 170 maintenance guru, .....

He’s an idiot.

With good ideas!

Hopefully some qualified A&P/IA folks will add their contact info and what services they are willing to provide.

I am "sold" on the idea of getting an IA who is familiar (and wiling/interested) with 170s to do the inspection. Getting an honest assessment of the condition of an classic aircraft is a crucial part of the buying process for me...and probably for some other people looking to own 170s. It would be nice to have some points of contact available.

v/r

Shaun

HOUSTON AREA: John Cross, Assoc’n Member, ravenaviation (at) comcast (dot) net. tel:(281) four eight zero-2507

Tell him where you got the info.

If you tell John Cross that George recommended him, John may add 20% to his rates

I will keep that in mind.