The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Hello, I'm a fairly new member and I've just recently gotten my 1948 170 airworthy and flying, so a lot of this is new to me. I ended up getting several of the listed mods for my 170 including the L19 tie down eye-bolt from Air Repair. The problem is, my mechanic's reluctant to put it on and wants to know if there is any documentation showing that it is OK to install on the 170. His position is, the bolt is a structural component and welding an eye on it could change the integrity of the bolt. Air Repair offered my money back but no paperwork. Any suggestions?

Find a new, less picky mechanic.

jrenwick wrote:Hi George,

That's a great list. One of my priorities in safety equipment was to install a seat stop, at least on the pilot's side, to prevent the seat from sliding back unexpectedly if it isn't securely latched.

Best Regards,

John

Agree, however, the problem, IMHO, is that over the years people have forgotten how to install the pilot seat stop Cessna provided. In fact, in many cases, it's missing. Every time I get my 170 back from annual, the stop is in the rear hole, just preventing the seat from coming off the rails. It should be put in the forward hole, which I always do. This way the seat won't go far enough back to prevent you from flying the plane and pulling yourself back into position.
That said, the Safety Stop is not a bad idea, in fact it's probably good insurance. It's just that accidents have been caused by not putting things togeather correctly.

markhanten wrote:Hello, I'm a fairly new member and I've just recently gotten my 1948 170 airworthy and flying, so a lot of this is new to me. I ended up getting several of the listed mods for my 170 including the L19 tie down eye-bolt from Air Repair. The problem is, my mechanic's reluctant to put it on and wants to know if there is any documentation showing that it is OK to install on the 170. His position is, the bolt is a structural component and welding an eye on it could change the integrity of the bolt. Air Repair offered my money back but no paperwork. Any suggestions?

Mark, perhaps your mechanic would feel better if he knew it was an L-19 part, used exactly in the same service (to hold the Scott tailwheel to the leafspring.) It is Cessna PN 0642105. It is a minor alteration requiring only a log entry. IMHO

sylvaire wrote:Wouldnt that be a major alteration. Is there a 337 on file ?

The VG's are major alterations and do require STC (and therefore also the Form 337).

George,

I think your list rates an A +. The items on your list make the 170 a safer and more reliable airplane and I agree with your opinion that the pros and cons should be discussed else where. I have most of the items but not all of the items you listed.

Also, I think modifications such as Horton Stol Kit, bigger engines, baggage doors, etc. are modifications (of which I have some but not all) should be in another class or group of modifications.

The 170 is a great airplane for both the Classic Purist and the person who likes to modify it with approved mod's, etc.

This is just my opinion and I know many will not agree. That is OK.

John