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This is How Good Friends Roll

An unexpected favor for a friend turns into a fun day inspecting a Cessna 170B for Jason McDowell.

Logbooks and photos can tell you a lot about an airplane. But a flight with the seller can tell you even more. Jason McDowell
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article outlines a three-phase initial pre-purchase evaluation for used airplanes, a process necessitated by a competitive market.
  • This evaluation begins with a detailed review of aircraft logbooks for major repairs and significant events, followed by a thorough physical inspection for signs of damage or questionable workmanship.
  • A crucial final step is a test flight with the current owner, as their piloting habits and meticulousness can provide significant insight into how well the aircraft has been maintained and operated.
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It was a beautiful spring morning in Wisconsin, and I was looking forward to a relaxed day of writing and coffee when my buddy Jared called.

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.

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