Does anyone have experience of owning a 140, who can point out any potential pitfalls? Also, does anyone know where I can find an up-to-date list of ADs and/or TCDSs online?

Thanks,
TheGorrilla.

Hi. The forum section of the International Cessna 120-140 Assn may be of interest:

http://www.cessna120-140.org/forum/index.php

Probably the biggest drawback in the UK is that most, perhaps all, C140's are on CofA not LAA Permit.

Slip

SlipSlider is right on the Cessna 120/140 association. When you join you get access to their online library of AD's, STC's, and a whole lot of techical stuff. Plus on the forums you have the ear of a bunch of smart C120/140 people. I'm an association member and am restoring a '46 140.

I can't speak about owning a 140 in the UK. However, potential pitfalls include:

doorpost cracks (most have them, no AD against it, there is a cessna service bulletin about them and a readily available STC for a nifty doubler)
Corrosion - typical stuff, but look in the spar carrythroughs.
Cracks in landing gear mount structure
Cracks in landing gear legs where the step bolts on
Tailwheel leaf spring bracket
Empty weight - some of them really pork up with metal wings plus a lot of old avionics. This can be fixed. Or buy a light one.

It's a great little airplane.

-- IFMU

It is indeed a little beaut. However, please PLEASE be careful when buying something of that age.

A £15k beauty can easily cost you as much again a year later to stay airworthy. It's not just a myth and I can testify!!

Thanks chaps, much appreciated. I'll let you know how this progresses.