The Silverwing, a monoplane constructed from spruce and linen, represented the initial leap into aviation for an Enid, Oklahoma car dealer. In June 1911, this aircraft completed its first successful flight over the Great Salt Plains, marking the debut of a designer who would fundamentally alter the trajectory of private aviation in the American Heartland.
Early Mechanical Interests
Born in Hawthorne, Iowa, on December 5, 1879, to Mary Vandora and James William Cessna, the future aviator spent his formative years in Kingman County, Kansas. His early technical aptitude manifested in the modification of farm machinery and the development of agricultural methods along the Chikaskia River. After a period spent working in the automobile industry in Oklahoma and gaining exposure to aircraft assembly at the Queen Aeroplane Company in New York, he pivoted entirely toward aviation.
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Following the success of the Silverwing, Cessna refined his design approach through several monoplanes powered by 40-60 hp Anzani engines. Between 1912 and 1915, he performed exhibition flights at county fairs and holiday events to maintain his operations. In 1916, he established a factory and flight school, but the entry of the United States into World War I in 1917 forced a temporary return to his family farm in Rago, Kansas.
Founding Travel Air and Cessna Aircraft
In 1925, Cessna partnered with Walter Beech and Lloyd Stearman to form the Travel Air Manufacturing Company in Wichita, Kansas. After two years of producing aircraft that set numerous speed and distance records, disagreements regarding monoplane versus biplane design led him to depart. On September 7, 1927, he launched Cessna-Roos Aircraft with Victor Roos. Following Roos’s departure one month later, the firm was rebranded as the Cessna Aircraft Corporation.
Economic Instability and Final Years
The Great Depression forced the bankruptcy and closure of his company in 1931. Although he reopened the Wichita plant in 1934, he sold it to his nephews, Dwane and Dwight Wallace, in 1936. Following this sale, he transitioned into a quiet life as a farmer operating a three-track tractor. He maintained only a nominal, ceremonial role in the company until his death in Wichita on November 20, 1954.
Fast facts
- Born: December 5, 1879, Hawthorne, Iowa
- Died: November 20, 1954, Wichita, Kansas
- First aircraft: Silverwing
- Company founded: Cessna Aircraft Corporation, 1927
- National Aviation Hall of Fame induction: 1978
- Burial site: Greenwood Cemetery
- Notable early nickname: Birdman of Enid
Questions readers ask
Was Clyde Cessna the sole founder of his company?
No, he initially partnered with Victor Roos in 1927, though Roos resigned after one month.
Did Cessna remain in the aviation industry until his death?
He returned to farming after selling his company to his nephews in 1936 and only participated in the business in a limited, ceremonial capacity.
Achievements
- National Aviation Hall of Fame — 1978
- Worked as aircraft pilot, businessperson and military flight engineer
