Register

The New Owner: The Power of Networking

The classifieds are not the only place to find your next airplane. Just like in the business world, it could be about who you know.

Getting to know and learn from the previous owner of my airplane proved to be a wonderful experience. Marty Coaker
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author initially faced significant frustration and a year-long struggle to find a reasonably priced Cessna 170 in a competitive seller's market.
  • A breakthrough came through personal networking, which revealed an unlisted 1953 Cessna 170 owned for 41 years by a meticulous aerospace engineer.
  • The seller's extensive background, diligent maintenance of the aircraft, and a surprisingly perfect match to the author's budget were key factors in the purchase.
  • The experience highlights the value of thinking outside the box, utilizing networking, and seeking opportunities beyond traditional classifieds to find well-maintained aircraft and gain invaluable insights from previous owners.
See a mistake? Contact us.

If a guy can engineer parts that are, at this very moment, still functioning 14 billion miles away from Earth in interstellar space, I figured he probably knew how to properly care for a 145hp Continental aircraft engine.

This was my rationale behind much of my decision making as I waded through the unfamiliar waters of my first aircraft purchase last spring. The seller spent decades working as an actual rocket engineer, and his work was used on both Voyager space probes.

Jason McDowell

Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE