CESSNA "AIRMASTER" - Plane + Pilot

1933’42

Plane & Pilot

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

Clyde Cessna initially produced clean and efficient aircraft from 1928-1930, returning to business in 1933 after a Depression-forced suspension.
The 1933 C-34, an improved version of the earlier AW, was a highly efficient four-seat cabin monoplane in its class, with nearly 100 units built.
The C-145 Airmaster was a subsequent modification of the C-34, featuring revised flaps and a wider landing gear.
The Airmaster line, powered by engines up to 165-hp, remained in production until 1942.

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Clyde Cessna first entered the light plane market on his own in 1927. Between the years of 1928 and 1930 he produced a series of airplanes that were remarkably clean and efficient. The final manifestation of this series was the Cessna AW, a four-seat cabin monoplane utilizing the 125-hp Warner Scarab engine followed by the BW. The Depression caught up with Cessna in 1930, forcing the factory to suspend production; however, in 1933, Cessna was back in business again, this time with a much improved version of the AW, featuring an improved landing gear and a 145-hp engine. This first model, designated the C-34, was possibly the most efficient airplane in its class, and nearly 100 were built. The C-145 Airmaster is basically a modified C-34 featuring revised flaps and a wider gear. In 1932, the Airmaster was made available with the 165-hp Super Scarab, and the line continued in production until 1942.