Cessna 170

Single Piston· 2,059 globally registered

The Cessna 170 is a four-seat, single-engine taildragger that defined postwar general aviation in the United States. Produced from 1948 to 1956, it bridged the gap between Cessna's prewar fabric-covered designs and the modern all-metal aircraft that would dominate the industry. The 170 introduced the wing and fuselage architecture that Cessna would adapt into the tricycle-gear Model 172 in 1956, creating one of the most successful aircraft families in history. With its conventional landing gear, the 170 demands more skill on the ground than its nosewheel descendants, making it a favorite among pilots who value traditional stick-and-rudder flying. Powered by a Continental C-145 engine producing 145 horsepower in the later B model, the 170 cruises comfortably at around 105 knots and offers a useful load of approximately 830 pounds. Its rugged construction and forgiving flight characteristics made it popular for backcountry flying, float operations, and personal transportation across rural America during the 1950s. The type remains highly regarded in the vintage aircraft community today, prized for its honest handling, excellent visibility, and the engaging flying experience that only a tailwheel aircraft can provide. Nearly seven decades after the last one rolled off the assembly line in Wichita, the 170 continues to serve as a capable cross-country tourer and weekend flyer, with a dedicated owner base that maintains these classics to high standards. SkyMeter has tracked 727 flights across 252 airframes and 245 operators, with CESSNA 170B LLC the largest observed operator.