I have frequented Moontown (3M5) on the northeast side of Huntsville, AL both while transiting to Shreveport to see family, and also with Charlie Beyer while in town for work in a previous life. A 170 with an interesting story, N3101A, was hangared there, and as long as I’d ever been going there, I’d not seen it fly, nor heard of it flying. I understand the (then) owner flew the airplane to Patagonia at least once and the airplane had some interesting modifications done to it to allow for that journey.
I needed to head to the airport to remind myself that one day my expensive toy might be out of annual and back home, and I see 01A sitting on a tie down at Air Harbor, essentially my ancestral home airport that three generations of my family and extended family have been flying from for 80+ years. I was shocked to see it given that it had apparently not flown in a long time and went to look at it. I didn’t pay much attention to the gear when it was parked in the hangar, but it punched me in the face when I saw it on the tie down; probably because my very curious almost four year-old daughter was pointing and asking questions.
I assume this is the Geisse crosswind gear, but I see the airplane has Cleveland wheels and brakes. It looks to have been converted for quite some time, but I was always under the impression that one had to retain the Goodyear drum brakes to have the crosswind gear.
Is this a third-party setup? Home brew/337? I’m curious now.
Also, if the new owner is a member here, please text me. My number is in the directory. I’m happy we’re up to three 170s on the field now and would love a chance to ride along or fly your airplane with this gear. I flew four different Cessna 170s last week. Hoping to break that record soon.
