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 re-entered the light plane market in 1933 with the C-34, an improved four-seat cabin monoplane known for its efficiency and 145-hp engine, following earlier models like the AW.
The C-145 Airmaster was a refined version of the C-34, featuring design updates like revised flaps and wider landing gear.
The Airmaster line, available with engines up to 165-hp, was introduced in 1932 and continued in production until 1942.
Standard Airmaster models are 4-seat aircraft with a 145-hp Warner Scarab engine, achieving 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.