When Unforeseen Circumstances Threaten to Derail Amazing Experiences

During Oshkosh month, the severity of aircraft mechanical problems increases exponentially as the date of the magnificent fly-in nears.

Jason McDowell

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 10:51 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

A fully uncowled engine—not something you want to see when your departure to Oshkosh is only days away. [Courtesy: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

The author, a first-time vintage airplane owner, chronicles the typical highs and lows of ownership, particularly as his 100th column coincides with unexpected maintenance issues right before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
His 1953 Cessna 170B developed an oil leak, which was fixed by his mechanic, only to be immediately followed by a mysterious throttle blockage just days before his planned flight to Oshkosh.
Despite these last-minute mechanical challenges, and having a backup plan to borrow a friend's Ercoupe, his mechanic successfully resolved the throttle issue, allowing the author to prepare to fly his own Cessna to the event.

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In September 2021, just a couple of months after taking delivery of my 1953 Cessna 170B, I wrote the first installment of this column. Since then, I’ve brought you along for the ride, showcasing the magnificent highs and the soul-crushing lows that have come to define airplane ownership for this first-timer.

This is the 100th installment of The New Owner, and I suppose it’s only natural that the milestone is occurring amid a maniacal blend of emotions swirling around said ownership.