Page 29 - Volume 14 Number 1

the popular “Pee Wee Green,” “Drake Blue” and “Diana Cream.” Standard practice in the dope and paint shops was brush coats of clear dope on the cotton fabric followed by two spray coats of clear dope to ensure proper tautening. Next, two coats of aluminum-pigmented dope were cross-sprayed followed by water sanding to ensure a smooth surface. Finally, three coats of color were cross sprayed that yielded a lustrous finish that reflected the high standard of workmanship found throughout the Airmaster series. To save weight, only two coats were applied to the bottom of the fuselage, horizontal stabilizer and elevator panels.
In terms of performance there was little difference between the C-145 and C-165, with a maximum speed of 162 mph and 169 mph, respectively. Rate of climb for the more powerful Airmaster was about 925 feet per minute (sea level) and service ceiling was 19,300 feet. Prices at the factory increased to $7,875 for a standard C-145, and $8,275 for the C-165. Airplanes built to accommodate Edo floats costed $10,635 and $11,035 (C-165).
One other version designated C-165D powered by a 175-horsepower Warner Super Scarab engine driving a Hamilton-Standard, constant- speed propeller. Only three were built, all in 1941. Production of the Airmaster ended that year after the company had delivered 42 of the C-145 version and 38 of the C-165.
During the seven-year production span covering the C-34, C-37, C-38 and C-145/C-165 airplanes, 186 airplanes were built. Today, the Airmaster is remembered as a pilot’s airplane. In 1941 it represented the current state-of-the-art for light aircraft design and construction and had established itself as one of the best examples of a four-place cabin monoplane found anywhere in the world. Few, if any, single-engine ship in its weight and engine cubic-inch displacement class could equal the Cessna’s overall performance and value for the dollar.
In 1936, Wallace flew a C-34 to victory in the Miami All-American Air Races that featured a series of different competitions similar to those held in 1935 by the Detroit News. A C-34 was declared the overall winner then, and Wallace repeated the feat, earning the C-34 the impressive title as “Worlds’ Most Efficient Airplane.” The C-34 and the Airmaster series was (and still is) a truly classic flying machine.2 The sleek monoplane kept the Cessna Aircraft Company in business when the economic times were tough and won praise and admiration from pilots fortunate enough to own and fly the patriarch of Cessna Aircraft’s product line. KA
Notes:
1 It is important to note that in 1938 Cessna en- gineers were busy completing design details of Cessna’s Model T-50 – the company’s first twin-engine airplane that first flew in March 1939.
2 According to the FAA’s Aircraft Registry,
as of 2018 there are 49 Airmasters listed in the United States. One Airmaster is flying in Australia (VH-UYG) and at least one airwor- thy Airmaster is based in England. World- wide, it is estimated that about 15 airplanes are airworthy. (Information courtesy Dan and Wayne Muxlow, owners of the first C-34,
NC12599.)
Ed Phillips, now retired and living in the South, has researched and written eight books on the unique and rich aviation history that belongs to Wichita, Kan. His writings have focused on the evolution of the airplanes, companies and people that have made Wichita the “Air Capital of the World” for more than 80 years.
JANUARY 2020
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 27