Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’s Top Pick is a 1946 Cessna 120.
Love for vintage taildraggers seems to be on the rise in the general aviation market. It is not that these aircraft ever went completely out of style, but certain trends have led pilots to give the simple, engaging antiques more serious consideration.
The popularity of bush, backcountry, and adventure flying have generated interest in small, light taildraggers and spawned a wave of new models, particularly in the light sport and experimental categories. Many pilots, whether they are on tighter budgets or simply find older designs such as Piper Cubs, Aeronca Champs, Taylorcrafts, and Luscombes especially attractive, have brought new life to many older GA aircraft.
READ MORE: Equipment to Buy when Purchasing an Airplane
The aircraft for sale today is one that tends to be overlooked as many shoppers focus on Cubs and Champs. Fans of the Cessna 120 and its sibling, the 140, however, might argue that these models have a more modern look and feel, with their smooth lines, side-by-side seating, and familiar control yokes instead of sticks. While they are just a bit too heavy to qualify under light sport rules, as some competing models do, owners of Cessna 120s are likely to tell you their airplanes feel a bit more substantial and secure than the lighter competition.
This 1946 Cessna 120 has 3,269 hours on the airframe and 1,089 hours since overhaul on its Continental C-85 engine. The aircraft has a useful load of 517 pounds and is equipped with Hooker safety harnesses and a Concorde 25XG battery. Its VFR panel includes a nav/com radio, a Garmin GTX 335 transponder, and a Sharc-7 ELT.
Pilots looking for a practical, economical vintage taildragger for two should consider this 1946 Cessna 120, which is available for $42,500 on AircraftForSale.
If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.
- FLYING Magazine: Approachable Aircraft: The Cessna 120/140
- FLYING Magazine: The Cessna 170 Is a Ticket to Adventure
- FLYING Magazine: Getting Reacquainted With Taildraggers Is Time Well Spent
- Plane & Pilot: Cessna 120/140
- Plane & Pilot: This Incredible Plane: Cessna 140
- Plane & Pilot: Taylorcraft
- The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Cessna 120/140
- AVweb: Cessna 120, 140, as Light Sport Aircraft?
