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 began manufacturing efficient light planes in 1927, initially producing the AW and BW series before a temporary halt due to the Depression in 1930.
Production resumed in 1933 with the C-34, an improved and highly efficient four-seat cabin monoplane, of which nearly 100 were built.
The C-145 Airmaster, a modified C-34 with revised features and later offering a 165-hp engine, continued the successful line until 1942.
Key specifications for the Airmaster include a 145-hp Warner Scarab radial engine, a top speed of 162 mph, and a range of 472 miles.

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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.