Personal Aircraft Produced by Cessna

The Cessna Aircraft Company is an iconic provider of small aircraft, and a staple producer in the aviation market. As one of the largest light aircraft manufacturers, Cessna has produced thousands of airplanes for private and commercial pilots since it was founded in 1927. The Cessna 172 is probably the company's most notable product, as it has become the de facto aircraft in personal aviation. Started just after World War II, the 170 line was offered and quickly gained popularity among its pilots at small airports. A smaller version, the 140 model was a two seat variant of its four seat sister, targeted at the trainer and commuter markets.

The popularity of aviation in America probably traces its roots to two causes. The first, and most obvious, is that aviation was born in America through the Wright brothers. The second, less obvious contributor is probably the airplane's popularity in World War II, with great strides and advances made in the effort to produce the best fighters possible, and also through the awe and glory they inspired. In any case, Cessna captured this in producing a good, solid, affordable plane for America pilots.

Over the years, the 170 model evolved into the 172, and the 140 evolved into the 150, and later the 152. Today, the 172 and 152 models dominate the landscape at most small airports across the country. The 152 is still the smaller, lighter-weight sister model to the four seat 172, however both aircraft are larger and more powerful than their predecessors. At one point production of the 152 was dropped in favor of the larger 172, however a replacement successor, the 162 is planned and currently undergoing flight tests. What has changed in the 172 line however are the aircraft's capabilities. At a time when advanced instrumentation and features were non-existent, these aircraft at inception were little more than fair-weather fliers. The new models have evolved into highly capable all-weather airplanes, with options that place them on par with the airlines in terms of the conditions in which they can operate. With features such as glass-cockpits, full de-icing, and on-board radar, only the most severe conditions, save strong winds, will keep these new planes grounded. Keeping progressive, Cessna also recently acquired Columbia aircraft, and are now offering advanced low-wing aircraft to complement the high-wing 172's. These new planes come with all the features of the 172, and then some, including more powerful engines, and greater aircraft capabilities in speed and range.

America enjoys some of the best regulations on private flight in the world, probably due to the innovative and progressive companies we have hosted since man's dawn of flight. Cessna seems to be dedicated to preserving private aviation in America for some time to come. The aircraft they produce will continue to inspire us as we aim for the skies.