A bit of back story…

At eight years old I was bit by a book describing the adventures of a young pilot who ferried a 170 from the factory to Alaska. This story made me dream of one day adventuring about in my own Cessna, setting me on a path that would run through my lifetime; I wanted to be a pilot.

Determined to fly, I put my application in to work for Lufthansa, but for reasons never disclosed, I was not accepted into the program.

Discouraged, I buried my dream and followed the advice of my family, becoming a physicist.
The life of a physicist was fulfilling, traveling the world while working on cutting edge problems, however the call of the clouds was always ringing in my ears.
 After retirement, at 68, I realized I had unfinished business, and set about finding the perfect 170B.

My plan was to keep the plane forever, exploring the spectacular wilderness of the United States, camping under the wing every night.

In 2019 I found Whiskyblue and began fulfilling my fantasy of exploring the United States.

My first big trip led me around the eastern United States, from Maine to Tennessee; it was spectacular. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit and we all know what that meant.

My plans were turned upside down. I was trapped in Europe, and not being an American citizen, I could not get back to the U.S. and was separated from Whiskyblue.

Full of despair, engine power issues that I had been noticing turned into pitted cam lobes, and major engine work would be needed.

The question was, what should I do?

I had two choices: on one hand I could perform an IRAN, do as little as necessary to keep the airplane flying. On the other hand, I could go all the way and install a fire-breathing engine, new panel, and make Whiskyblue the plane I always wanted…I chose the latter.

So why sell?

In a million years, I never imagined I’d be selling my airplane. I would keep her forever, exploring the United States each summer, camping under the wing. Eventually, I would ship her to Europe and continue my adventures… however, time is a cruel mistress.

At 73 years old, I can no longer keep my European medical, setting forth a chain of events which I’m no longer in control of. Of course I could keep her in the United States, visiting once or twice a year for a big trip, flying on my US medical, however, after much deliberation, I think it would be a bit much for me. For this reason I’m forced to put my cherished Whiskyblue up for sale.

But $254,000.00?

Anyone who’s restored or modified an airplane, knows what an undertaking that is, both emotionally and financially. One never recoups the net sum, and I understand this.

To date, we have well over $325,000.00 into the airplane; if I had to build her again today, because of inflation, it would be orders of magnitude more expensive.

Considering the engine, panel, paint, and the labor, I believe $254,000.00 is an honest and reasonable number.

If you would like to learn more about the airplane, please feel free to reach out.

whiskyblue@wolfsview.com

785 363 34456