13 Facts About Clyde Cessna

Clyde Vernon Cessna was an American aircraft designer, aviator, and early aviation entrepreneur.

Clyde Cessna is best known as the principal founder of the Cessna Aircraft Corporation, which he started in 1927 in Wichita, Kansas.

Clyde Cessna later became a successful car dealer in Enid, Oklahoma.

Clyde Cessna's first design was a monoplane, constructed of spruce and linen and which took the form of an American version of the Bleriot XI.

Finally on his 13th attempt, Clyde Cessna got a glimpse of hope as his aircraft bounced up into the air for a short time before crashing into the trees as he attempted to turn it.

Finally, in June 1911 Clyde Cessna had his first successful flight.

Clyde Cessna continued to teach himself how to fly over the next several months until December 1911, when he made a successful 5-mile flight and a successful landing at the point of departure.

Clyde Cessna's factory served a dual purpose, as he opened a flight school in which he enrolled five student pilots.

Clyde Cessna followed the AW with the CW-6, which flew in 1928, and the DC-6, which flew in 1929.

Clyde Cessna then collaborated with his son, Eldon, in designing and flying the CR-series racing aircraft.

Clyde Cessna operated an early diesel three-track tractor building ponds for local farmers.

Clyde Cessna died on November 20,1954, at the age of 74 in Wichita, Kansas.

Clyde Cessna was ranked number 27 on Flying magazine's list of the 51 Heroes of Aviation in 2013.