Clyde Cessna

Clyde Vernon Cessna was born on 5 December 1879 in Iowa, USA. He was one of the first owners of an automobile and became a capable mechanic and car salesman. In 1910 he witnessed an aviation exhibition and immediately became interested in flying. During the following year, he taught himself to fly and, after much trial and error, designed his own experimental light aircraft. He then built several more aircraft and even opened a flying school. The United States entered World War I in 1917, severely hampering the civilian aircraft industry in the country. However, when the war ended in 1918, the industry recovered. In 1925, Clyde Cessna joined Walter Beech and Lloyd Stearman to found the Travel Air Manufacturing Company. Two years later, Cessna left Travel Air to start the Cessna Company with his son Eldon. As president and chief engineer, Clyde Cessna developed several successful light aircraft. In 1930, he focused on gliders, racers and affordable aircraft, but the Great Depression forced him to close the company in 1931. Even so Clyde and Eldon Cessna continued to build custom-ordered aircraft and racers. In 1934, Clyde Cessna's nephew Dwane Wallace helped him re-open the Cessna Company's doors. Cessna contributed to the design of several successful light aircraft, before selling the company to his nephew in 1936. Clyde Cessna died in November 1954 at the age of 74.

Unlock This Issue for Free

This issue can be unlocked by providing a valid email address

Name:

Email Address:

B-17 and P-63 Mid-air Collision

On November 12, a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress and Bell P-63F Kingcobra collided at the Wings over Dallas airshow. Tragically, all occupants of the two aircraft died in the accident.

Henri Giffard

In 1852, Giffard built the world's first steerable airship.

Finnish Ace Hans Wind

Finland’s involvement in the Second World War is a fascinating subject. It stood alone against the massive Soviet Union and was forced to seek help from Germany. Nevertheless, little Finland fought tenaciously throughout its battles. The same can be said about one of its best pilots.

Joaquín García Morato

Although the Spanish Civil War has been described as a proving ground or trial run for World War II, it was very much a real war. Intense air combat produced numerous aces, but one pilot from North Africa stood out from the crowd.

The Adventures of a Double Ace

Francis Gabreski’s flying career is one of the most encouraging stories in the world of aviation. It is a story that reminds us that success is not about how you start out, but rather, how you finish.

B-17 and P-63 Mid-air Collision

Henri Giffard

Finnish Ace Hans Wind

Joaquín García Morato

The Adventures of a Double Ace

Aviation News Journal

Categories

Social Footprints