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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:

  • Initial evaluation of a used aircraft involves reviewing logbooks for notable entries like major repairs, engine overhauls, and modifications to understand its history.
  • A thorough physical inspection of the airframe is crucial to identify irregularities such as odd rivets, mismatched paint, or wrinkled skin that could indicate past damage or poor repairs.
  • A test flight with the current owner provides valuable insight into how meticulously the aircraft has been operated and maintained, based on their piloting style and engine management.
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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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