EAA AirVenture: A Study in Cargo and Packing

With the rear seat removed, the 1953 Cessna 170B has almost exactly the same amount of cargo volume as a Subaru Crosstrek SUV.

Jason McDowell

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

With the rear seat removed, the Cessna 170 transforms into a capable cargo hauler and unlocks new flying experiences. [Courtesy: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

The author advocates for choosing an airplane with ample cargo capacity, even if only fully utilized once a year, to significantly enhance major trips like EAA AirVenture.
Extra space allows for more comfortable amenities, such as plush camping gear, additional clothing, and equipment for remote work, transforming the travel experience.
This philosophy prioritizes a more luxurious and convenient trip, enabling the owner to provide comfort for themselves and assist friends, over the compromises of minimalist packing.

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With the rear seatbacks lowered, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek SUV sports 54.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. Coincidentally, with the rear seat removed, the 1953 Cessna 170B has almost exactly the same amount of cargo volume.

These are the kinds of things one learns when one must beg friends for a ride home from a distant rural airport immediately following EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.