Cessna Model A
Cessna · United States · first flew 1927 · light aircraft
The Cessna Model A was Clyde Cessna's first production aircraft after founding the Cessna Aircraft Company, notable for its fully cantilevered high wing that required no external bracing struts — an innovative approach for American light aircraft in 1927.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.23 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Cessna's first production cantilever high-wing monoplane — no wing struts
- Fully cantilevered high wing was radical for an American light aircraft in 1927
- Open cockpit with a radial engine and spatted fixed undercarriage
The unbraced (strut-free) high cantilever wing is the primary distinguishing feature from other parasol monoplanes of the period. The radial engine, open cockpit, and spatted undercarriage are otherwise typical of late-1920s American lightplanes.
Specifications
- The Cessna Model A has a length of 7.23 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.36 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot plus 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Clyde Cessna had experimented with cantilever monoplanes for years before founding Cessna Aircraft in 1927. The Model A was the company's first production type and established the high-wing cantilever monoplane as Cessna's signature design philosophy, a tradition that continues to the present day. Around 25 were built.
Variants
The Model AA used a slightly more powerful engine. The Model BW and subsequent models evolved from the same basic design.
Where you'll see it
Sold to private owners and air taxi operators across the United States in 1927–1931. Not used in military service.
Related aircraft
- Cessna CW-6
- Cessna DC-6
- Cessna CG-2
- Cessna CR-2
- BFW M.19
- de Havilland DH.61 Giant Moth
- Focke-Wulf F 19 Ente
- Focke-Wulf S 2
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.