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Tundra Tires Bring More Than Just Good Looks

Adding high-quality tundra tires is an expensive endeavor. Fortunately, they offer multiple legitimate benefits beyond cool looks. [Photo: Jason McDowell]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author humorously rationalized expensive aircraft modifications, such as Alaskan Bushwheels, with exaggerated "post-apocalyptic" scenarios, acknowledging they were initially beyond his practical flying needs.
  • He detailed the significant investment in 26-inch Bushwheels and necessary brake upgrades for his Cessna 170, explaining the procurement process and various technical aspects.
  • Ultimately, the Bushwheels proved a worthwhile purchase by providing a smoother ride over imperfections, increased ground clearance, enhanced capability for rough or off-airport landings, and improved confidence and enjoyment in flying.
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If I’m being honest with myself, at least half of my planned aircraft modifications are wholly unnecessary for the kind of flying I do. From STOL kits to big tires to better propellers, these are all fairly expensive mods, and the money could just as easily be spent on prudent things, like mortgage payments and retirement accounts. Justification for these goodies is decidedly less mature, however, and usually involves theoretical post-apocalyptic scenarios that may or may not involve zombies.

In my mind’s eye, civilization is crumbling and good people need saving. Having already set up my own residence and airstrip on some remote sliver of northern Michigan shoreline, I set out every week to scout for supplies and search for other survivors. Accessing these places will require the aforementioned STOL and off-airport modifications. Purchasing them is, therefore, necessary to my survival.

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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