Clyde Cessna (1879-1954),American aviation pioneer. Cessna's passion for aircraft was sparked at the age of 31,after seeing an aerial exhibition in Kansas,USA. He went on to design,build,and once he had taught himself,fly his own aircraft. In 1925,Cessna co-founded the Travel Air Manufacturing Company,which became one of the leading American aircraft manufacturers. Cessna's designs developed into internationally famous aircraft that set many speed and distance records. In 1927,Cessna formed the Cessna Aircraft Company,which produced racing and sports aircraft during the Great Depression |