Cessna 170 Aircraft in United States

United States is the world's largest GA market with the highest concentration of aircraft, dealers, MRO facilities and flight infrastructure. FAA certification standards, N-registration. Most TBM/PC-12/Cirrus production aircraft sold in the US used market are N-registered with full FAA documentation.

The Cessna 170 is the classic four-seat taildragger that preceded the 172 — produced 1948-1956 with a Continental O-300 (145 hp) and conventional tailwheel landing gear. The 170A and B introduced flaps and refined wings. A characterful 1950s taildragger, sought after by classic-aircraft enthusiasts and pilots who want tailwheel experience in a Cessna airframe.

Cessna 170 aircraft for sale

17 used Cessna 170 aircraft for sale in United States · 4-seat · Used median asking $130,000 · Project from $32,643 · updated 13 hours ago

Cessna 170 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 170 is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 105 kt (194 km/h), a range of 500 nm (926 km), and a useful load of 900 lbs (408 kg).

Performance
Cruise105 kt (194 km/h)
Max Speed120–139 kt (222–257 km/h)
Range500 nm (926 km)
Service Ceiling15,000 ft (4,572 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL C145-2
Horsepower145 HP
Fuel Capacity37.0 gal (140 L)
Fuel Burn8.0–9.0 GPH (30–34 L/h)
TBO1,800–2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC170
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight2,200 lbs (998 kg)
Useful Load900 lbs (408 kg)
Production1948–1956

Cessna 170 for Sale

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Cessna 170 asking prices range from $70,000 to $195,000, with a median of $130,000.

1951 Cessna 170A

1951 Cessna 170A for sale
$70,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,908
Reg# N1401D US
Location Sanford, ME
Via Colton Caramihalis
Listed 1mo ago

1950 Cessna 170A

1950 Cessna 170A for sale
$85,000
For Sale
Reg# N5452C US
Location CA
Via Aircraft Total Time
Listed 7d ago

1953 Cessna 170B

1953 Cessna 170B for sale below typical asking range
$85,000
For Sale
Location Cutler, IN
Via Thomas Hainline

1953 Cessna 170B

1953 Cessna 170B for sale below typical asking range
$89,900
For Sale
Total Time 4,104
Reg# N1881C US
Location Stuart, FL
Via Scott Macdonald Aircraft Sales
Listed 1mo ago

1955 Cessna 170B

1955 Cessna 170B for sale
$89,900
For Sale
Total Time 7,518
Reg# N170CP US
Location La Grande, OR
Via Hiller Aviation Consulting
Multiple sources

1954 Cessna 170B

1954 Cessna 170B for sale within typical asking range
$95,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,300
Reg# N2890C US
Location Sugar Land, TX
Via Daron Spencer

1950 Cessna 170A

1950 Cessna 170A for sale
$106,900
For Sale
Total Time 3,454
Reg# N9969A US
Location Dubuque, IA
Via Chris Sheriff
Listed 2mo ago

1954 Cessna 170B

1954 Cessna 170B for sale above typical asking range
$110,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,400
Reg# N2514C US
Location Vicksburg, MS
Via Estes Aviation LLC
Listed 2mo ago

1953 Cessna 170B

1953 Cessna 170B for sale
$114,500
For Sale
Reg# N4666C US
Location NC
Listed yesterday

1955 Cessna 170B

1955 Cessna 170B for sale
$130,000 ↓ -$30K
For Sale
Total Time 3,695
Reg# N4308B US
Location Snohomish, WA
Multiple sources

Cessna 170 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
170B 1952–1956 4 105 kts (194 km/h) 500 nm (926 km) 900 lbs (408 kg) $89K – $206K A classic four-seat taildragger — the tailwheel forerunner of the 172, for a buyer wanting vintage character and backcountry capability. 9

Compare Cessna 170

See how the Cessna 170 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna 170 vs Cessna 172 Cessna 170 vs Piper Pacer Cessna 170 vs Stinson 108

Cessna 170 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 170 cost? Used 170 prices: $70K – $195K, average $130K (median $130K), across 9 priced of 17 active listings.

Cessna 170 Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Cessna 170 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (9.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,580/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$18,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$130/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$30,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 170's Continental O-300 burns approximately 8-9 gph at cruise - economical for a four-seat aircraft. The O-300 parts network is adequate but requires more sourcing effort than the later O-320/O-360 families. Annual inspection costs depend on inspector familiarity with the vintage airframe; the 170's community is active and provides good information resources. Fixed tailwheel gear (no hydraulics) keeps maintenance simple beyond tailwheel-specific items (spring, shimmy). Operating costs are low for a four-seat aircraft.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna 170

Buying a Cessna 170 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 170 is a four-seat, conventional-gear (taildragger) aircraft from the early 1950s - powered by a Continental O-300 (145 hp) producing approximately 105 knots cruise and 500 nm range. It is the direct predecessor to the Cessna 172: the same basic airframe, but with a tailwheel instead of a nosewheel. For pilots seeking a classic Cessna taildragger with four-seat utility, the 170 occupies a unique position in the used market.

170 versus 172. The Cessna 172 is essentially the 170 with a nosewheel added (introduced in 1956). The 170 and early 172 share the same O-300 engine (145 hp) and similar performance - the 172 gains easier ground handling at the cost of slightly higher empty weight. Pilots who prefer tailwheel operations choose the 170 for the same four-seat utility the 172 provides, with conventional-gear handling.

Taildragger and vintage maintenance. The 170 requires a tailwheel endorsement and active crosswind technique. The Continental O-300 is a well-proven engine with adequate parts support, though its network is narrower than the more common O-320 and O-360 families. As a 70-plus-year-old aircraft, fabric-panel inspection (where applicable) and a thorough corrosion survey are essential pre-buy items.

Buy it if you hold a tailwheel endorsement and want a classic four-seat Cessna taildragger - the 170's combination of O-300 reliability, four seats, and vintage character is unique in the used market. It is a better fit than the 120 for buyers who need the extra capacity and cruise speed of a four-seat aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 170

What is the Cessna 170?
The Cessna 170 is a four-seat, high-wing, conventional-gear (taildragger) single-engine piston aircraft built from 1948 to 1956. It is the tailwheel forerunner of the tricycle-gear 172 Skyhawk.
What is the difference between the Cessna 170 and 172?
The 172 Skyhawk was developed from the 170 by adding tricycle landing gear and a larger tail, making it easier to land. The 170 is a taildragger, prized for its classic character and backcountry capability.
How much does a Cessna 170 cost?
As a sought-after vintage taildragger, 170 prices depend on condition, engine time, modifications and originality. See the live price range and median above.
What engine does the Cessna 170 use?
The 170 is powered by a Continental engine (the C-145 / O-300 six-cylinder on most models). Engine time since overhaul is a key value factor, and some have power upgrades.
How many seats does a Cessna 170 have?
Four — two front and two rear seats.
Is the Cessna 170 a taildragger?
Yes — the 170 has conventional (tailwheel) landing gear, so it requires a tailwheel endorsement and proficiency. This is the main difference from the tricycle-gear 172.
Why is the Cessna 170 popular?
It combines classic vintage appeal with genuine backcountry and short-field capability, a four-seat cabin and Cessna parts support, which keeps demand and values strong among taildragger and bush enthusiasts.
Is the Cessna 170 still in production?
No — production ended in 1956, when the tricycle-gear 172 succeeded it. A devoted owner community and parts network keep the 170 well supported.

Cessna 170 Inventory by Country

United States20
Canada2
Australia1
South Africa1

Cessna 170 Inventory by State

California3
Oregon2
South Carolina2

Cessna 170 by Price

Under $100k7
Under $200k21
Under $300k22
Under $500k23

Cessna 170 by Decade

1950s15
1960s1
1980s1

Recently Sold Cessna 170

1953 170B$145,000
1954 170B$89,000
1951 170A$98,500
1948 170$113,900

Cessna 170 Safety Record

Across all 170 variants, 728 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2026. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

728

Total Events

537

Incidents

52

Serious

56

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jan 29, 2026 Summerdale, AL Minor —
Dec 27, 2025 Rio de Janeiro, OF Fatal (1) —
Sep 01, 2025 Eustis, ME Minor The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent descent, contac…
Aug 27, 2025 Everett, WA Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions.
Aug 25, 2025 Knoxville, TN Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll in a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excur…

NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna 170 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 13 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data