HISTORY OF THE 140

The Cessna 140 is a twin-seat light utility aircraft produced from 1946 until 1951. The aircraft features fabric covered wings with a metal fuselage and metal control surfaces. The Cessna 140 was used as a recreational civil aircraft immediately following the Second World War. The Cessna 140 was part of a class of Aircraft produced by Cessna that included the 140, 120 and A140. 

The Cessna 140 was a favourite of aviation enthusiasts following the war, as it featured conventional landing gear, including a tail wheel. The 140 was especially popular because it featured flaps, rear side windows and a full electrical system. The 140 was also used extensively as a training aircraft through the 1950s and 60s.

OUR AIRCRAFT

The Museum’s Cessna 140 was generously donated in 2016 by a farming family from the Medicine Hat area. The plane was originally built in 1946 and was imported to Canada from the US in the mid-1960s. The aircraft has the serial number 10825 and Registration markings of C-FOGD. This airplane was donated by the donor in hopes that it would inspire dreams of flight and give the younger generation an idea of what mid-century civilian planes looked like.

FAST FACTS

• Metal body and fabric covered wings. 
• Although it was a 2-seater plane, the cockpit was quite small at only 39in wide. 
• Built by Cessna in anticipation of a post-war flight boom. The civilian interest in aviation was high, although fewer people took up flying than was expected. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Wingspan of 10.16 metres (33ft 4in)
• Height of 1.91 metres (6ft 3in)
• Length of 6.55 metres (21ft 6in)
• Maximum speed of 201 km/h (125 mph)
• Rate of climb of 680 ft/min