Cessna O-1 (L-19) Bird Dog

Background

The Model 305, a development of the Model 170 was a private venture which in 1950 won the competition for a new standard liason/observation aircraft for the US army. Originally designated the L-19, this was changed to O-1 in 1962. The aircraft has no direct military links to New Zealand, but is familiar to some RNZAF pilots who flew FAC operations while on exchange with the USAF in Vietnam. A number of the aircraft have been imported into New Zealand, and are developing a real popularity as warbirds. The first of type, ZK-FYA entered the Register on the 12 August 1991. The aircraft currently in New Zealand are:

O-1A 53-8031 (c/n 23452) formerly ZK-DOG (registration cancelled 31 Jan, 1997) is stored in Auckland with Mackley Aviation following an accident at Lake Hawea (Easter 1996).
O-1A 51-12520 (c/n 22975) VNAF 3-04126 is currently under restoration in Auckland.
O-1G ZK-FYA (c/n 22737) formerly 51-16903 is airworthy with Birddog Aviation at Ardmore.
O-1G ZK-OIG (c/n ??) is airworthy with J.S.Gemmel at Ardmore

Last Update:- 27 May 1999

Technical Data

Data is for O-1E

Accommodation : 2
Dimensions
- Span : 10.97m (36'0ft)
- Length : 7.89m (25'10ft)
- Height : 2.23m (7'4ft)
Weight
- empty : 732kg (1614lb)
- max : 1088kg (2400lb)
Power Plant : 210hp Continental O-470-11
Performance :

max speed : 184km/h (115mph)
max climb : 1150ft/min (5.8m/sec)
ceiling : 18500ft (5640m)
range : 853km (530miles)