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Last
of the Red Hot
Radials
What
makes this plane a classic? In the sky our
hearts beat faster when we admire the
enduring loveliness of a particular
airplane, which for one reason or another
achieves the status of a standard for
perfection. It is this enduring value that
defines something as a classic, rather
than being a passing fancy.
The Cessna 195, Cessna's cabin class
"Business Liner" possesses these
qualities. A little before its time,
already an antique, round engine and
taildragger makes it instant
nostalgia.
With its big wing and sleek lines, the 195
was a very efficient, and yet very rugged
ship for its day. It was designed for a
time when municipal airports were more
often than not muddy, dirty strips rather
than thousands of feet of smooth pavement.
There can be no doubt that she's an
aircraft from a different era in American
aviation, although the fine performance
and load-handling capacity of this classic
airplane keep it in the competitive world
of today's aviation.
The big Jacobs radial may block your
vision, leak a little oil, require
additional pilot attention, but my it
sounds beautiful. The nostalgic sound of a
radial engine coughing and aputtering to
life is one that inspires awe and respect
from many pilots.
Born in anticipation of a post-war
aviation boom that never materialized, the
195 was the last of its kind. Stately and
proud to be sure, but old before its time.
After all, why should anyone pay $22,000
for a radial engine, fixed-gear monster
when the newest sexy, V-tail retractable
delivered greater range and economy for
four thousand dollars less. Whatever the
price, Cessna's radial engined single
retains the class of an era long past and
mostly forgotten. Like a not quite retired
thoroughbred, the 195 has grown old
gracefully, defiant of the hands of time,
reluctant to bow to its descendants and
fully deserving of the title
"Classic."
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