Gathering of L-19 Birddogs Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The iconic Cessa L-19 Birddog observation aircraft was produced in Wichita, Kansas and served worldwide with the U.S. and allied militaries with distinction. Forty plus Birddogs will gather in Topeka, Kansas, for a 75th Anniversary Homecoming, from Sept. 10-14, to honor not only the airplane, but aging Vietnam War veterans many who flew the Birddog will be attending this capstone event. The event will be hosted at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kansas, by the International Birddog Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

The gathering will include multiple ‘fly-outs’ beginning on Sept. 11 where L-19s will visit Textron Aviation’s Beech Field for lunch, presentation, and photos with current Textron Aviation products. Textron Aviation is the parent company of Cessna and Beechcraft companies and continues to produce military aircraft which continues the legacy of the L-19. Additional visits include two trips to the historic Beaumont Hotel and a visit to Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita where they are available for public viewing at the B29 Doc Museum.

For more information see the following links:

https://cessnabirddog.org/

https://www.tinker.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1390170/tinker-history-cessna-l-19-bird-dog-aircraft-profile/