CESSNA 170 75TH ANNIVERSARY DRAWS 125 AIRCRAFT

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBBIE CULVER AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

BEFORE CESSNA PRODUCED the familiar 172, the Cessna 170 was the iconic four-place aircraft that represented the brand and was based on the Cessna 140. The 170 was the logical next step for Cessna.

In early 1948, Cessna aircraft began advertising a four-place model that sold for $5,475 with a Continental C145 engine that produced 145 hp. The first example flew in February 1948, according to the history of the 170 as published on The International Cessna 170 Association website. Before production ended in 1956 with the introduction of the 172, more than 5,000 examples were produced. About half remain airworthy, a testament to the longevity and popularity of the type.

sold as the Cessna 170A. In 1952 the Cessna 170B was released with larger semi-Fowler flaps (often referred to as “barn door” flaps) and a change in wing dihedral. The 170B was produced until the supply of parts was exhausted as the 172 took hold of the marketplace.

According to Cessna 170 Association board member Howard Bohl, 125 Cessna 170s attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. Howard flew his 1953 Cessna 170B in for the 50th consecutive year.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary, The International Cessna 170 Association and the Vintage Aircraft Association invited owners to bring their aircraft to Oshkosh to celebrate the anniversary.

According to Cessna 170 Association board member Howard Bohl, 125 Cessna 170s attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. Howard flew his 1953 Cessna 170B in for the 50th consecutive year.

The 170 began with fabric-covered wings and “V” struts, as well as three separate fuel tanks. By late 1948 the aircraft had a dorsal fin from the Cessna 195 added to the tail and an all-metal wing, and it was

The Cessna 170 remains a popular aircraft with vintage aviation enthusiasts and is an affordable entry point for tailwheel aircraft with readily available parts and support.

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