More than 30 Cessna 195s from all over North America attended the 51st Annual International Cessna 195 Convention held in Joliet, Illinois, from Sept. 7-11. This year’s convention marked the 75th anniversary of the vintage aircraft that owners say still holds its own against modern big singles in performance and comfort but with a heavy dose of retro cool. Its production marked a turning point for Cessna. “It was a first because it was the first all-metal Cessna built and it was the last because it was the last Cessna with a radial engine,” said Coyle Schwab, longtime member of the Cessna 195 Club.
Marketed as a business aircraft, the 195 was state of the art in 1947, offering speed and range for the busy executive looking to leverage aviation to benefit his business. These days, 195s are pampered, flown and adored as a touchstone to the Golden Age of Aviation in a relatively affordable and reliable family airplane. The club helps keep the old planes flying with information on the robust supply chain for parts and maintenance knowledge. “The airplane is incredibly well supported,” said Curtis Arnold, the current president of the club. The convention includes a lot of flying, a lot of information sessions but there’s also plenty of fun. “It’s really about the family and the people.” Freelance videographer Mariano Rosales prepared a video about the event.
Lovely airplane. Hard to believe a contemporary of the much more modern Bonanza.
I don’t remember if this convention was ever advertised. Or if it was, certainly not to any extent. I would have liked to have gone to it. Far too many shows and events are either not close to me, or planned on the same day as others are.