Cessna 170B Aircraft in Australia
Australian-registered aircraft (VH- prefix) operate under CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) certification. Active GA market with strong Daher TBM, Cirrus, Cessna and Beechcraft fleets. Outback flying creates active utility aircraft market (Cessna Caravan, Pilatus PC-12). Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth major hubs.
· 4-seat · updated recently
About the Cessna 170B
The Cessna 170B is the improved variant of the Cessna 170, a four-seat, high-wing, tailwheel aircraft that preceded the ubiquitous 172 Skyhawk. Featuring a Continental C-145 engine and large flaps, the 170B burns approximately 8 gallons per hour and provides classic taildragger flying with practical four-seat utility. The B model introduced the larger rear window and improved flap design over the original 170.
Variable hourly costs average around $100, with annual fixed costs near $14,000, making the 170B one of the most affordable four-seat aircraft to own. Its rugged construction, conventional gear, and high-wing visibility make it equally capable on paved runways, grass strips, and backcountry fields.
The Cessna 170B appeals to tailwheel enthusiasts, vintage aircraft lovers, and backcountry pilots who want an affordable, practical, four-seat airplane with genuine classic character. The type holds its value well due to strong demand from the tailwheel community and limited supply. The International Cessna 170 Association provides excellent resources, annual gatherings, and a welcoming community for owners. Well-maintained examples are prized possessions in the vintage aircraft world.
Cessna 170B Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 170B 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).
Cessna 170B Listings
No Cessna 170B currently listed for sale.
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Browse all Cessna models →Cessna 170B Price & Cost
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.
Buying a Used Cessna 170B
Every Cessna 170B faces a mandatory 1,800-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $25,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 1,800-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 170B
What makes the Cessna 170B a desirable classic aircraft?
Is the Cessna 170B good for backcountry flying?
Cessna 170B Inventory by Country
| United States | 12 |
| Canada | 2 |
| Australia | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
| South Africa | 1 |
Cessna 170B Inventory by State
| California | 2 |
| Oregon | 2 |
Cessna 170B by Price
| Under $100k | 4 |
| Under $200k | 14 |
| Under $300k | 15 |
| Under $500k | 16 |
Cessna 170B Safety Record
Across all 170B variants, 405 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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… |
| Aug 23, 2025 | Livermore Falls, ME | Incident | — |
| Jul 20, 2025 | Faith, SD | Incident | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with crosswind. |
| Jul 09, 2025 | Homer, AK | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop. |
| Jun 25, 2025 | Denali Park, AK | Incident | The failure of the left main landing gear spring due to a fatigue fracture during landing on uneven terrain. |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 170B variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.