Clyde Cessna: “Birdman of Enid”

Clyde Cessna was an American aviator and aircraft designer who founded the Cessna Aircraft Corporation. Cessna was born on December 5, 1879 in Hawthorne, Iowa. He grew up in Kingman County, Kansas near the Chikaskia River. He showed creative skills in his boyhood. Using his inherent innovative skills, knowledge of machines and creativity, Cessna developed new farming methods and improved farm machines.

But Cessna’s interest in airplanes started in 1910 when he witnessed an aerial exhibition in Kansas. The exhibition has influenced him a lot that he would pursue a career in aviation later in his life. From Oklahoma, Cessna transferred to New York to work in Queen Aeroplane Company. It was his first exposure to airplane construction.

Cessna built his first airplane in 1911 and he named it “Silverwing”. Silverwing was a very elegant monoplane. It looked like an American version of Bleriot XI. Cessna modified a 2-stroke, 4-cylinder Elbridge motorboat engine and attached it to Silverwing. The engine has a maximum capacity of 40 hp and runs at 1,050 rpm. When Silverwing was finally completed, Cessna flew its test flight over Great Salt Plains in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma.

His first flight was not very good because it ended in a ground loop. The repairs cost him $100. There were 13 more attempts after this and each one failed. On his thirteenth attempt, his airplane bounced up but crashed into the trees because it failed to turn.

In spite of his failures, Cessna continued with his attempts until his first successful flight in June 1911. His scoffers began to call him “daring hero” and gave him the moniker “Birdman of Enid”. Cessna continued to learn flying. His next significant feat happened in December 1911 when he flew a 5-mile flight.

Because Silverwing was a success, Cessna permanently quit his employment and pursued his interests in aviation. He built several other monoplanes after Silverwing. He purchased a vacant building and turned it into a factory. He opened a pilot school.

After the World War I, Cessna along with friends Lloyd Stearman and Walter Beech, founded the Travel Air Manufacturing Company. Cessna became the company’s president. Travel Air became a leader in aircraft production in the US.

In September 1927, Cessna founded the Cessna Aircraft Corporation. His company produced sports and racing aircrafts along with monoplanes which he has already mastered.