O-1 Birddog
Birddog
Designed in 1949 to replace aging WWII liaison aircraft. L-19/O-1 production began in 1950. Total production was over 3400 total aircraft.
The Birddog is a world-wide veteran having served with the military services of over 14 countries. Its most notable combat records occurred during the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts where the Birddogs performed artillery spotting and target marking for ground attack aircraft.
L-19E tail number 24712 was built in March of 1959 by the Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, KS. It was number 103 of a group of 126 Birddogs built for the French army with whom it served for 23 years. It was declared surplus and returned to control of the US government. Subsequently a number of French L-19’s were civil certified and sold by a Dallas TX firm during 1981-82.
In 1984, 24712 was purchased by a Seattle area pilot and long-time L-19 collector who modified and restored the aircraft as a US Air Force O-1F
Flight Experience
Number of Passengers: 1 (behind pilot)
Flight Price: $250
Accessibility: Please see disclaimer and boarding video below.
Ear Protection: Headset (provided or bring your own)
Flight Intensity: Medium
O-1F Birddog
General Characteristics
Type: Liaison Aircraft
Manufacturer: Cessna
Model: O-1F “Birddog”
Theater of War: Korea and Viet Nam
Number Produced: 3400
Dimensions
Crew: 2 (Instructor and Student)
Wingspan: 36 ft
Length: 25 ft 9 in
Gross Weight: 2,800 lbs.
Performance
Power Plant: (1) Continental O470-15
Horsepower: 213 hp
Maximum Speed: 190 mph
Maximum Cruising Speed: 70-140 mph
Service Ceiling: 15,000 ft
Range: 600 mi
Flights on this plane
- Passengers must be 12 years of age or older. Minors who fly (age 12-17) must have their guardian complete a Minor Hold Harmless agreement and the guardian(s) must be present on the day of flight.
- Maximum passenger weight 350 lbs.
- For safety reasons, all passengers must wear close-toed shoes. No Sandals or flip-flops will be allowed.
- All flights take-off from and land at the same airport.
- For your safety and ours, Passengers must be able to enter and exit the aircraft without assistance. Passengers that cannot board without assistance will not be flown. Passengers may be required to demonstrate that they can board and exit the aircraft prior to boarding.
- For safety reasons, no vaping devices are allowed on any of our aircraft