Last month, we met Rusty Morris and his Cessna 172. This month, meet Mark, Rusty’s son, and his Cessna 170B.

It’s not too surprising that Mark Morris caught the flying bug and the Cessna bug from his father who, according to Mark, has always owned his own aircraft. Although Mark’s first ride was in a Cessna 120, it’s the Cessna 172 his father purchased in 1975 that holds most of his early aviation mem­ories. In fact, he completed his pilot training in that very air­plane, soloing at Olathe, Kansas on his 16^th birthday in 1988.

A couple of years prior to that, when Mark was 14 years old, his parents booked a flight on Southwest Airlines to go visit his aunt and uncle. It was his first flight in a jet and it made quite an impression. “I instantly knew that I wanted to be an airline pilot. As luck would have it, I am currently a captain for Southwest Airlines,” Mark said.

A Great Find

In keeping with his goal, Mark has no further restoration plans at this time. His Cessna 170 still has its original headliner, side windows, seats – all of which he plans to keep. Fortunately, this aircraft’s age means the airworthiness directives (ADs) and service bulletins (SBs) were complied with previously. This helps Mark keep his aircraft as true to original as possible. When he does need the occasional part, he turns to Univair or Aircraft Spruce.

Through its long life, this Cessna 170 has had relatively few owners. Each of them ap­parently took good care of the aircraft. This airplane has changed hands only four times since it left the factory, and there are no signs of damage in its history. This plays a big role in Mark being able to maintain the aircraft’s vintage look and condition.

Sometimes maintaining that authentic­ity can be challenging, but “originality takes precedence over any changes,” Mark commented. His approach has paid off. N2935D is a real attention-getter.

When One Cessna Is Not Enough

The 170 serves a similar purpose. Though Mark and Brandi most often fly this plane together, it’s nice to have the option of bringing additional passengers. Based at Hick Airfield (T67) in Fort Worth, Texas, the location is a convenient take off point for Mark and Brandi to visit surrounding cities or to fly north to see their daughter, an aviation student at the University of Oklahoma. It seems the flying bug has bit the next generation, too.

Mark typically flies his Cessna 170B about 30 hours each year. It burns about 9 gallons of fuel per hour, making the cost of flying about $50 per hour.

Passing along a love for aviation has become a mark of the Morris family. It’s more than an activity they can pursue to­gether. It’s part of their legacy, their current lives, and will undoubtedly be part of their ongoing story.