
Open During Special Events and
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THE CALDWELL COLLECTION AT MUSTANG FIELD
1946 Cessna 120:
A Simple Classic That Still Delivers
The Cessna 120 represents a pivotal shift in general aviation following World War II. Built for affordability, ease of use, and simple maintenance, the C120 was designed to get returning servicemen and new civilian pilots into the air without breaking the bank.
Introduced in 1946, the Cessna 120 was one of the first mostly metal general aviation aircraft, though early models, including this one, still featured fabric-covered wings. With its 85-horsepower, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, the Cessna 120 was a departure from the round radial engines of the prewar era, marking a new chapter in aircraft design.
Unlike its slightly more expensive sibling, the Cessna 140, the 120 was built for simplicity:
✔️ No flaps – Who needs them? A real pilot can manage without!
✔️ No rear quarter window – Function over form kept costs low.
✔️ Stable and forgiving flight characteristics – Making it ideal for student pilots.
To make N 6968 truly shine:
✔️ The fuselage was polished to a mirror finish by expert Jamie Flinn.
✔️ A transponder with ADS-B was installed, enhancing visibility and safety.
Though it may never win a trophy, the Cessna 120 doesn’t need awards to prove its value. It’s a pilot’s airplane—simple, efficient, and fun to fly. Easy to see over the nose, predictable in handling, and inexpensive to operate, the Cessna 120 is a perfect example of how great aircraft don’t have to be complicated.


Postwar Pioneer
