The Cessna 140, a walk-through of our little tailtragger.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Check out my video where I fly this in Scooter's STOL event here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp-VqYOHp6eiibM

[@rhark25]

My first airplane was a C140 and I owned it for 11 years. I really liked the flaps because they tilted the nose down when deployed and gave a little extra visibility out front when flaring. These are definitely great little airplanes!

[@wheelsupbardown]

I love flying it. I hear a lot of people say the flaps are pointless, but like you, I notice the difference! Plus, with a heavier instructor in the right seat for a biannual, they help you pop off the ground when you use more runway than you're comfortable with! 🤣

[@tincan_flyer]

I recently purchased a C140 and it has already taught me so much! It is such a great little airplane! I'm really looking forward to Spring and nice weather to do some adventuring with the plane.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Awesome! It's definitely more demanding on the ground than something like a Champ, but that will only make you a better pilot! Hope to run into you at some point!

[@musoseven8218]

Charming aeroplane, thanks for sharing. My dad used to own a C150B I miss that aeroplane. He was basically a taildragger man for the majority of his flying. He had a Luscombe and an Aeronca Chief too.

[@wheelsupbardown]

All great airplanes! If you're ever in northern IN, let me know! I've got a lot to show you!

[@musoseven8218]

@@wheelsupbardown They were good aeroplanes, the Luscombe was a show stopper, restored by Cliff Lovell who supplied and flew the aircraft in Out of Africa (he had to take over some of the flying in that film - he was a DH expert, lovely guy. IIRC he also purchased the C150B when a subsequent owner wrote it off with a hard landing). Thanks my friend re the invite, I'd love to, it's really kind of you, I'm in the UK and my health ain't great (plus I might never be allowed to leave the country again the way things are going in the UK 🤔🧐😳😄). But you never know I might just take you up on that, it would be something to look forward to ✌️👍🤞😊💜

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@musoseven8218 I did my first 30 hours in a Luscombe. Love that airplane but it's a project now lol. If you ever make it, I've flown for worse reasons 😉

[@musoseven8218]

@@wheelsupbardown Fond memories of your Luscombe like me with the C150B👍😊 Dad gave up his Luscombe as hand starting/swinging it was becoming an issue with a shoulder injury. IIRC the Aeronca came before the Luscombe, that was hand start too. I scared myself when, if I recall correctly, the throttle vernier slipped on start up. Dad was swinging the prop etc, I had to react pretty quickly - I was in the left seat. I got a telling off, until it was realised that I'd saved the day😳🧐🙄😄✌️ We had lots of good times though😊😊 Dad learned on taildraggers in the late 1960s, he always preferred them, I got used to the nose up etc and then tail up when I was in the right seat. But I always thought landomatic gear was more civilized 😄😄 The C150B could, like many small Cessna's, get into places (with, iirc, 40° of flap), that it might not be able to get out of. Dad was very adept at short field and soft field T/O's and landings, although the wheels were a bit small on the C150B. Yours is a lovely aircraft with sensible mods to keep a classic aeroplane usable. I like the roof lights too - almost like an Aerobat, very useful. Stay safe and well, ttfn😊

[@74HC138]

I used to have a C140 (140LB, we named her Lusty Betty), we didn't have those window latches - ours were much smaller and basically just held the window closed. With the window open it would float up and lay against the bottom of the wing in flight. We lost a window once, just days before we were going to Oshkosh, out over Galveston Bay. We were doing some videoing, opened the right window, and instead of floating up to the bottom of the wing like it usually did, it half opened, oscillated a bit then departed the aircraft. It's likely still at the bottom of Galveston Bay to this day.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Love that story! The latches sound more like the latches on a 150, which I'd greatly prefer. I had a similar predicament in an older 172 when flying around with the windows open. I didn't lose the window, but the blind nut on the window catch (didn't let it open all the way) fell off and into the window frame. I didn't really mind it opening all the way, but in the end, my mechanic (dad) decided to fix it 🙄

[@EyescoldPlease]

I really love the smooth music you’re using! (Recognizing “smooth” must be a highly valued skill for this hobby.) I’ve said it before, but you’ve got great camera locations too.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thank you very much!

[@povertyspec9651]

Cheezy teenager music

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks for the feedback. Someday I hope to be able to use a paid music service with better choices. It's free for now though 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@MustangPilot1]

Yeah, what Tad said. This is the best 140 video I’ve seen. Great production value too.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks so much!

[@johnlennon1049]

Good video. Love the old vintage planes, typewriters, phones. The simple way of living.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks! We've got a couple more vintage projects in the works, and I can't wait to fly those, too!

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Master chef okd schol not this old schol first clinic airplanes concirde aire wolf f14 Tom cates f16 earliest classic airplanes

[@Joncarver226]

I used to work at Metro as an A&P! Currently thinking about purchasing a 140A project. Enjoying the videos!

[@wheelsupbardown]

Aviation is a small world! Sarah (seen in some other videos) lived in Indy before moving up here, so I flew into Metro a LOT when we were dating!

[@Joncarver226]

@@wheelsupbardown aviation absolutely is the “smallest world”. Maybe we will cross paths this year!

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@Joncarver226 Well I may hit Metro to stop at Perani's once in a while for hockey gear, lol. I hit flyins when I can too, so feel free to stop and chat if you see the airplane!

[@Joncarver226]

@@wheelsupbardown will be sure to do so!

[@scpowered]

Followed @Just Plane Silly over here, Not disappointed! Subscribed!! Looking forward to more!

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks! It takes a lot of work, but I honestly look forward to making more!

[@easttexan2933]

One of favorite planes. Back in the mid 60s I flew fire patrol for the TX Forestry Service from Nacogdoches, TX. The 140 I flew had 170B wings on it and if memory serves, 24 gals in each wing. Could fly all day if needed. Our contract was from October until the end of May. Fire season if you will. Built a lot of time in that old bird.

[@wheelsupbardown]

That sounds awesome.! With the 170B wings, did it actually have the Fowler flaps?

[@easttexan2933]

@@wheelsupbardown I'm too old to remember "Fowler" flaps but I do know that the flaps were a lot larger than the other 140s. With 10deg of flap that thing would launch very quickly. On landing, she would float forever !! I haven't flown PIC since 1988. Lost interest in it. Just became so complicated just to fly short distances and I lost the joy of flying. And the cost was really starting to rise.

[@wheelsupbardown]

I'm happy that you got to enjoy it once. The costs can definitely add up, but flying a plane under your control is something most people will never experience.

[@kczbluesman]

What was the tail number of that Texas Cessna you were flying?

[@kczbluesman]

@@easttexan2933 What was the tail number of your forestry patrol airplane?

[@dennismulloy640]

I have a 46' 140 and this is the second video where I see the plane being pushed from the rear. I've tried with no luck. I push at the lift strut mounting point at fuselage. I have wheel extenders as well.

[@wheelsupbardown]

A BAS tail handle would really be a welcome addition for sure. I am careful, but I do push it from the tail and steer it by the base of the vertices stabilizer where it's doubled. The bigger tires definitely help the roll a bit though. We do have a tailwheel towbar somewhere though 🤔

[@dennismulloy640]

@@wheelsupbardown Thanks. I look fwd to more of your videos. I've made a few myself but your's are far better quality.

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@dennismulloy640 I really appreciate that! It admittedly takes a lot of work!

[@bobwilson758]

That is a great camp aircraft ! Very cool - Enjoy it Good times

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks, Bob! Unfortunately, the tires shrunk back to 6x6.00, but still love it! Stay tuned!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Absolutely loved this video and thank you for sharing it, Yes, I hit the subscribe button, I know a good channel when I spot one :)

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks so much! I've been slacking a bit on the channel lately, but it'll definitely pick up as the weather gets better!

[@kennethavesato3883]

Landing was GREAT WHAT ARE YOU KIDDIN ME NICE JOB

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks! We'll see how it goes after the weight and balance! Took off the extensions, mains down to 6.00x6, and swapped that giant tail wheel for a solid maule. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Really dig this. Found it from your comment on my shirt design. post. Sharing this on my community tab for you. Hopefully we can get some eyeballs over here for you. I really enjoyed this!

[@wheelsupbardown]

I really appreciate this! I love your channel, too. I'll be wearing the shirt I ordered on the first video I post after it arrives, so stay tuned! 😉

[@earthwindflier]

Liked and subbed. Thanks for throwing a flare up for us @Just Plane Silly. Loved the video!

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@earthwindflier thanks! Hopefully the weather cooperates soon so I can make more!

[@earthwindflier]

@@wheelsupbardown Southern Maine native here. I know the struggle. Lol. Will look forward to your vids!! Happy Holidays!

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@earthwindflier Northern Indiana here... lake effect snow and we won't see the sun until April lol. Happy Holidays to you, too!

[@carlwilliams1570]

First tail dragger ride was with a coworker in a 47 C-120 with metalized wings. Great plane to teach you rudder skills. He later built a Vans RV-6.

[@wheelsupbardown]

The 120/140 will definitely keep you honest. Was the RV-6 a tailwheel too?

[@carlwilliams1570]

@@wheelsupbardown Yes he built a quickbuild RV6 tail wheel. N653W it has been sold twice now.

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@carlwilliams1570 Just looked it up, and that's one NICE looking RV!

[@carlwilliams1570]

@@wheelsupbardown He did everything on it, except build the engine. But all the paint, interior etc was all John.

[@wheelsupbardown]

That's awesome. Great scheme!

[@Jerrylumdegaard]

Beautiful airplane

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks, man! It looked better on the bigger tires though, if you haven't seen the latest video 😂

[@GEDixon-ni5gk]

Beautiful 140. see you again

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks!

[@caflyer6569]

Enjoyed the video, and I also am interested in the visor. I own a 1947 Cessna 140 and a 1981 Bonanza V35B and have been flying since 1971. I have posted 3 video of the Bonanza and none yet of the 140. I’ll check back for future videos.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Awesome, thanks! Can't wait to make more! If you email the channel, I'd be happy to send you some more detailed pics of the visor!

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Hi Bryan... Thanks for the video... Hoping to start tail wheel training In a Cessna 140 next Spring... Also looking to do a Flight Review as well.... Looking forward to future videos with your plane!!

[@wheelsupbardown]

Looking forward to making more, but currently doing some work on it (annual, adding a beacon, thinking about swapping out the Scott, etc.)! Thanks for the kind words, they give me a reason to finish 😁

[@mattf49006]

came over from JustPlaneSilly to check it out...new subscriber here sweet lil 140 there Bryan....too bad Turner sold the Grumman and you couldn't race him 😁

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks! All this support has been incredible!

[@wheelsupbardown]

And I'd rather not race a Grumman... I'd face it in a STOL comp any day 🤣

[@mpgofast]

How did you get the 800x6 approved, I did not see it as a option on the Type certificate, I had to go with 700x6

[@wheelsupbardown]

8.00x6 are in the TCDS. We actually pulled them off of a wrecked 120. I want to go 8.50's but that would take a 337 (there's a few floating around online though)

[@masterthee]

What an awesome plane!!!

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks!

[@grimdrown7293]

I have a 48 140 (don't need wheel extension cessna fixed it ) had a 48 170 the 140 is way more fun to fly, you feel part of the 140 instead of sitting on a box in a flying room thanks for your video

[@wheelsupbardown]

Honestly, I'm not even sure the extensions are needed on the 46 with the gear further back. I've been contemplating removing them, but who knows... Have a few other project planes to work on lol.

[@chestergood4035]

I got my PPL in a c140 on a grass strip near Ft Wayne. Loved every minute of it. When I got my license I bought a c206 which is a beefy 182. My family and I love to take trips. Where do you camp in Indiana or near by states?

[@wheelsupbardown]

Mostly I've done spots in Michigan or Wisconsin. My favorite so far has been 5D5 in MI, with a nice hike out to the lake in the morning.

[@kevinardron2601]

I need the shape of the fuse formers along its length, thanks for your reply

[@wheelsupbardown]

I think my dad still has a salvage fuselage next to the hangar I could take some pics of but no promises. Shoot me an email.

[@bill45colt]

thanks for posting,,,,the last 140 i saw was a friend in 1955 zooming our house, hit the trees in the backyard and was killed,,,saturday afternoon,,,,

[@wheelsupbardown]

Wow, that's truly tragic! Unfortunately, too many are still lost, but I'm glad it's gotten safer overall!

[@ronfrostman8011]

I love your sun visor. I have a 120 and am looking for a visor. Any recommendations?

[@wheelsupbardown]

The visor does work really well, but it was in the airplane when we acquired it. It really doesn't look to hard to make. It's cut from a sheet of what I think is 1/8" tinted plexiglass and I think it uses the OE hinges. Doesn't stop me from wearing shades though! 😎

[@jumpinjack1]

That's a great idea and glad I found this vid.

[@melodymakerSD]

Those window latches look like what Studebaker used in the rear vent windows.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Did Studebaker drivers accidentally open the window with their elbow all the time, too? 🤣 Studebakers were built near here in South Bend, maybe I can find replacements.

[@sound396]

I have a 140A at White County (MCX), so I am right nearby. You are landing a lot shorter than I do - I am curious what your speeds are on approach. Looking forward to more videos. Hope to see you around when the weather warms up.

[@wheelsupbardown]

I'd love to hop down there when we're done working on it! (Adding a beacon and an intensive annual at the moment). As for approach, I did my initial training in a Luscombe without defined speeds, so... 1.3VSO! Low 50s. If you're going for real short, you can always drag it in under power 😉

[@nicholashayes72]

That’s cool Logansport is my hometown, I fly out of khfy in Greenwood. That’s a great looking plane where do you fly to go camping in it?

[@wheelsupbardown]

I've flown into KHFY a bunch! Great staff at the FBI! I've done a few camps up in MI, but the next one I'm hoping to make is Cheat River's fall fly in.

[@MalcolmRuthven]

I probably had 100 hours in 140s by the time I had 200 hours total. Flew them all over Missouri (where I lived then). As I recall, they would indicate 105 mph flying fairly low (where I flew them most of the time). Very slow climber with two people on a hot summer day.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Apt description for sure. I started my training in a Luscombe 8A that outperformed it on 20 fewer horsepower. That said, if it's just me, I can cruise 118 mph, as I have a fairly course prop. Hell of a plane to train in though, compared to the champs and cubs, lol. I'm sure that made every other airplane easy!

[@kevinardron2601]

Does anyone know where I can obtain accurate cross sections of the fuse I want to build a authentic model?

[@wheelsupbardown]

What do you need exactly?

[@TheBarracuda06]

good to buy as your first plane? in the market right now.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Some pretty good deals can be found on 140s even in this market, and it's a pretty simple airplane as far as annual expenses go. The main thing is, define your mission, and buy an airplane that fits. If the 140 fits, I'd also consider the Luscombe. Good luck on your search!

[@johndarcey3517]

It has gear extensions.

[@wheelsupbardown]

I HAD gear extensions. In one of my other videos, I test flew it after taking them off. Tracks so straight now and feels more responsive.

[@jamesevans7441]

Just bought one I have heard they like to nose over a d just 3. 140 s nosed over this past 2 weeks what is the basic problem with that characteristic? Thanks

[@wheelsupbardown]

I've seen a lot of talk about it, and this one had gear extenders that moved the axles forward a few inches to match where the later cessna 140s axles are to help. That said, we took them off during an annual because it dropped the nose an inch and a half and added a few pounds. You can see the results in one of my other videos, but the long and the short... I think it tracks better, and even though the tail comes up a bit easier, if you keep the yoke back and are easy on the brakes, it isn't an issue. If you're at OSH, I'm here through Saturday and would love to chat!

[@drumsticknuggets5123]

One question: Would a 140 be a good weekend getaway plane? Something me and my wife could use to travel to a hiking location 350 miles away. 2 ppl (average wt), and a couple bags.

[@wheelsupbardown]

We often use it for exactly that, but we've had to pack pretty light to stay under gross. Check out my video on lightweight airplane camping gear, I go over what gear I use and the weight or the reason I use it. Compared to a lot of similar airplanes like Luscombes, Taylorcrafts, Champs, Chiefs, and Cubs, I think the 140 is a really good balanced set of trade-offs. Compared to a Super Cub though, well that could carry you, your mother-in-law, and a moose carcass out of a shorter strip 😉

[@lesbryan5846]

Are you a member of the cessna 120/140 association? Also, on from Evv would like to have somebody to go fly with up to the show this year are you interested?

[@wheelsupbardown]

I'm not sure if I'm paid up! 😬 Which show are you looking to go to? Looking to fly in formation?

[@lesbryan5846]

@@wheelsupbardown Planning to go to the 120/140 convention in DeCora Iowa on the 12th through the 16th of next month Looking for someone who wants to fly up together .

[@wheelsupbardown]

I'm planning on Brodhead the weekend before, so not sure if I could make that one. I'll put it in the calendar though!

[@jeffersonsteeflex2364]

Do you get used to flying without an attitude indicator? Looking at a 140 without one and i feel like I rely on it a lot when i fly

[@wheelsupbardown]

It's got a turn and bank, but there's an even better indicator out the windscreen. In any of these old taildraggers, you should be looking outside almost all the time.

[@tomstulc9143]

Sweet little aircraft. Wowfully underpowered for the mountain West where we're at. I suppose if you could up engine to about 120 or 130 horsepower it would be fairly usable here.

[@wheelsupbardown]

When it's hot and humid it can be underpowered here, too, lol. Kept light, it performs alright though. Out there, I'd definitely be following passes 😉

[@MustangPilot1]

How do the 8.00-6 help with takeoff? Also, which LED landing light do you have and did u ever have the original bulb? Thanks, ‘47 140 owner.

[@wheelsupbardown]

The 8.00-6 tires helped because the wheel extensions lowered the nose and the Scott 3200 raised the tail. This lowered the angle of attack and the larger tire size raised it back up. Stay tuned because she's back on 6.00x6 with a much smaller tail wheel 😉. Just waiting for a rudder horn at this point... It was a LONG annual. The landing light is just a Larson light I think.

[@MustangPilot1]

Thanks

[@rogermarsh9632]

The aeroplane looks beautiful! I’d love to own one, though I’m not sure how it would like flying with me in it: I’m fit, but I weigh 220 pounds which would mean my passenger would need to be petite, not just because of all up weight, but also so they weren’t squished🤣.

[@wheelsupbardown]

We just had to do a new weight and balance when we removed the wheel extenders, and the weight went up 50 lbs 🤦🏼‍♂️ You'd be able to fly with a petite passenger, but even I'm currently dieting to make room for luggage 🤣

[@rogermarsh9632]

@@wheelsupbardown aviation can sure be a balancing act. A friend took one look at me and said a Cessna 180 would be about right for me!

[@wheelsupbardown]

Well, in his defense... There's no such thing as the perfect airplane... unless you're talking about the Cessna 180!

[@rogermarsh9632]

@@wheelsupbardown the 180 is an amazing piece of kit; the Platonic ideal of personality, payload and performance; though this guy also recommended a Super Decathlon if I wanted a two-seater. A bit more shoulder room!

[@wheelsupbardown]

I have some time in my buddy's Super D, but that's a totally different airplane. I'd go 180 all day every day! If I were into flying upside down, it'd be different lol

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Wat is the payload of the 140? (not counting full fuel load)

[@wheelsupbardown]

In ours, the empty weight is 904lbs, so with a gross weight of 1450, useful is 546. Full fuel is 25 gallons, or 150lbs. That leaves a payload of 396lbs. Of course, every aircraft has a different empty weight with paint, upholstery, and/or fancy panels, so YMMV!

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Thanks, that compares to a Vashon.

[@shadowban481]

Interesting to see T/O difference with VG's

[@wheelsupbardown]

I'd like to see that as well! Limited by budget though, and I think raising the angle of incidence by removing the gear extensions may have a bigger effect.

[@shadowban481]

@@wheelsupbardown check Australian stolspeed VG's, they are stick on and available through Aircraft Spruce, stolspeed has videos about them I don't remember them being expensive.

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@shadowban481 unfortunately, they aren't approved for certified aircraft. For STC'd VG's on the 140, they're around $700

[@mikedial7870]

Where did you get that sun visor?

[@wheelsupbardown]

It came with the airplane, but I think it's just tinted plexiglass cut to fit. I'll try to feature it more in a future video, but it's currently down for a VERY long annual 🙄

[@BackcountryAlaska]

How’s the stall speed compare to a cub?

[@wheelsupbardown]

Stall speed is under 40 with power, but the just doesn't have the lift that a cub's does. I can can really short, but the takeoff roll is where it's lacking.

[@BackcountryAlaska]

@@wheelsupbardown makes sense, good luck with the channel! I just started mine recently as well

[@wheelsupbardown]

@@BackcountryAlaska Thanks! I'll definitely check it out!

[@bcsimpilot3497]

Are parts INSANE for price because they are specially manufactured by the plane company or because its a size only for a specific aircraft and thus kind of a rare product. As we know, rare usually means EXPENSIVE. A bolt in a Jimmys World video, he said was $160. One, single, little bolt. INSANE

[@wheelsupbardown]

Honestly, for a lot of these old planes, a lot of these parts (hardware, hinges, handles, etc) were sourced from third parties like car manufacturers or even cabinet hardware. Manufacturers can see the parts they produce today for astronomical prices because of scale still, but there are also costs to certification, PMAs, and other approval processes, too.. Luckily, there's a huge used market for parts that can help keep the cost down.

[@EVELYNEMIL]

Phenomenal!!.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Thanks! I have plans for more, when the weather cooperates lol

[@EyescoldPlease]

It hurts my pride, just a little, that an airplane could have a cleaner windshield than my car. But I’ll get over it. Slowly.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Well, I had just cleaned it lol

[@EyescoldPlease]

@@wheelsupbardown Well thank you. Plus I decided there are fewer bugs at higher altitudes, so even if I’m wrong, I’m over it now.

[@markbrown2450]

Just a simple airplane to do the one thing you want to do, fly around.

[@wheelsupbardown]

Every airplane is a good airplane 👍

[@hansenfuentes3541]

Thanks for the video, I’m a private pilot with instrument….looking for a time builder and been watching c-140 videos, maybe a hard question to answer because it can depend on so many factors, but what do you consider a fair price or the most someone should spend on an old airplane like this in decent condition with mid to low engine times? And also is your airplane night certified? Thanks

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Master chief durst ckast air craft 60000 fett mach 2.0. 1350 moh

[@k9cop68]

Used to scare the 💩 out of me flying with my dad and that window would pop open

[@wheelsupbardown]

Yeah, still startles me when my elbow accidentally pops it open! 🤣

[@k9cop68]

@@wheelsupbardown 😆

[@wheelsupbardown]

Check out the video I just did on the Great Lakes STOL comp... I used the windows as "drag inducers" 😂😂😂

[@k9cop68]

@@wheelsupbardown 🤔 Trying to decide if you're messing with me or if it really works😏

[@wheelsupbardown]

I really did it, opened the windows on short final... Whether it helped or not, I have no idea 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@22warrent]

Another great video, ruined by music

[@wheelsupbardown]

I actually appreciate feedback, good and bad. Honestly this was the second video I ever uploaded, and I've always worked to get better at this craft. I'd be interested in whether or not you think I've gotten better or worse!

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

You should still S-turn because of children and dogs. Never know. Cats are fair game

[@wheelsupbardown]

I sit high enough I can see quite well over the nose and have good side visibility as well. If I were on any bigger tires, it'd probably be to high though.

[@SpaceRanger187]

Thats it...2 videos..what kind of bs is that..stop playing with my emotions and post more videos..:)

[@wheelsupbardown]

Airplane's getting annualed and I need to get over there and help! I will I swear! 😬