About the CESSNA 175A
The Cessna 175A, a prominent figure in general aviation history, was introduced as an upgraded model of the Cessna 175 series, which debuted in 1958. Cessna Aircraft Company, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, designed the 175 series to fill a gap between their Cessna 172 Skyhawk and the more advanced Cessna 182 Skylane. The 175 series aimed to provide higher performance and payload capabilities while remaining affordable for private pilots and small businesses. The 175A, introduced in 1959, featured several important advancements that set it apart from the original 175 model. One of the key changes in the 175A was the inclusion of Cessna's new “Omnivision” rear window, which significantly improved visibility for pilots, a feature that was rapidly becoming a standard in general aviation aircraft for safety and operational ease. Additionally, the 175A incorporated an upgraded powerplant, the Continental GO-300 engine, which offered 175 horsepower - 15 more than the original 175 model, enhancing its overall performance. The primary motivation for the production of the Cessna 175A was to provide a versatile aircraft that could serve a variety of roles, from personal and recreational flying to more demanding tasks like aerial photography and light cargo transport. Its ability to take off and land on shorter airstrips made it a favorite among pilots flying into less developed or rural airports. Despite its benefits, the Cessna 175A faced some operational criticisms, particularly concerning the performance and reliability of the GO-300 engine at higher operating hours. Nevertheless, the aircraft garnered a dedicated following due to its blend of performance, comfort, and the reliability of Cessna’s airframe design. Production of the 175 series continued until 1962, after which Cessna shifted focus to other models. Today, the Cessna 175A remains an iconic aircraft within the general aviation community, appreciated for its historical significance and contributions to the evolution of light aircraft design.