Cessna 195

Overview

The Cessna 195 Businessliner is a five-seat, single-engine, conventional-gear aircraft manufactured by Cessna between 1947 and 1954. It was Cessna’s most ambitious postwar general aviation offering — priced above a Bonanza at introduction and aimed squarely at the business market. The 195 was the first Cessna aircraft constructed entirely of aluminium and features a fully cantilever wing with no struts. Three variants were produced, distinguished by engine: the base 195 (Jacobs R-755A2, 300 HP), the 195A (Jacobs R-755-9, 245 HP), and the 195B (Jacobs R-755B2, 275 HP). Just over 1,000 were built; approximately half remain flying. The aircraft also served with the US Army and Air Force as the LC-126/U-20.

Key Features for GA Buyers

• Radial engine character: The Jacobs R-755 is a seven-cylinder, 775 cu in radial turning at a maximum 2,200 RPM. Smooth, distinctive, and — when well-maintained — reliable. The R-755B2 (195B) is generally regarded as the most dependable variant.
• Cabin size: The fuselage width was driven by the 42-inch engine diameter, resulting in a genuinely roomy five-seat interior that punches well above its weight class for a 1940s single.
• Semi-cabin-class fit and finish: Cessna positioned the 195 as near-cabin-class transportation. Front seats travel 15 inches fore-aft; the interior quality was exceptional for its era.
• Retractable landing lights: Electrically actuated, arcing down from the wings — a feature later adapted to the Cessna 421.
• Engine accessibility: The Jacobs mount swings open sideways, giving unusually good access to magnetos, starter, and generator.
• Tailwheel handling: Any competent taildragger pilot can transition, but the high nose and offset seating require adjustment. Ground loops are the main accident cause; insurance reflects this.

Trade-offs

• Radial operating costs: TBO is 1,000–1,200 hours (versus 1,800–2,000 for modern flat engines). Overhaul runs approximately $31,000. Oil consumption of up to 1 qt/hr is normal; budget accordingly.
• Fuel burn: 12–19 GPH depending on power setting and engine variant. At a typical 14 GPH cruise the 76-gallon usable fuel supply yields roughly 520–780 nm of range.
• Specialist maintenance required: Radial experience is not universal. Air Repair, Inc. (type certificate holder) and Radial Engines, Ltd. are the key support resources. Parts availability is adequate but not trivial.
• Overheating on taxi: The tight cowl traps heat. In hot conditions or at large airfields, extended ground operations require care; a secondary oil cooler is a common owner modification.
• Insurance: Ground loop history makes the 195 a challenging insurance proposition, particularly for lower-time taildragger pilots. Premiums are elevated relative to equivalent fixed-gear aircraft.
• No modern avionics factory support: Cessna provides minimal support; owners are on their own for avionics upgrades and airframe parts sourcing.

See Also

• Cessna 190 – smaller sibling with Continental W670 radial (240 HP); smoother but less supported. (Not yet in catalogue.)
• Beechcraft V35B Bonanza – direct contemporary competitor at a lower price point: retractable gear, flat engine, higher cruise speed. Compare
• Cessna 180 Skywagon – later Cessna taildragger: simpler flat engine, lower operating cost, less cabin space. Compare