My friend owns that airplane now. Sweet machine. How long ago did your friend own it?

I envy your family, Tom. What was the N number on that airplane, do you recall?[/quote]

Ryan: I'll look up the N number. After the 170, all of our planes had to have Mexican registry, because we were not able to operate American registered aircraft for business in Mexico. The Cubs for spraying cotton and coyote control were XB-FIH and XB-TIK. I got a lot of stick time in them at age 14 because they were at our cotton farms, and no one was looking. The 180 was XB-MEN, (with emphasis on "men", as that concept was still politically correct, and something we were raised to be). It went straight from Wichita to the dealer in Chihuahua, Mexico, where we picked it up. Others fade in memory, but the last one was a Turbo 206, XB-BUS. We flew the wheels off of all those wonderful airplanes.

My 180 was originally XB-ZAB. It once belonged to a gentleman who was best friends with BT'r Alex Gutierrez' father, a great pilot and also 180 driver. There is a fascinating story about these guys becoming involved in and winning an air race with their 180's from Mexico City to Acapulco.
Many years ago mine was impounded on a false technicality by a corrupt commandante who wanted it. A 2 AM visit to the airport with a bolt cutter freed it of its locks and chains, and I flew it home low and fast. It is now N21TN, treasured in our household.

Best regards,

Tom

My friend owns that airplane now. Sweet machine. How long ago did your friends own it?