Welcome Home


The Vietnam conflict was a long time ago but it is still on the minds of many who served and on the minds of those who lost loved ones in that land so far away.  A major part of that war was fought by aircrews of various types of aircraft. This video is a tribute to the pilots and crew of Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine aircraft.  We will never forget the sacrifice of those who served in Vietnam.  Welcome, Home!

Invest in Responsible Birddog Ownership

As a Birddog owner, your best investment is in the Maintenance and Parts Manuals for your plane. Generic Cessna single-engine manuals simply don’t cover many of our systems and none of the Birddog-specific parts and maintenance. The Feds say that your A&P/IA must have the required inspection/service documentation for the aircraft on which they’re working – and as the owner/operator, you’re to make sure of that.

Hard copy manuals are going for $100, $200, $300, or more (each) on eBay – when they can be found. You can spend $500-$1000 for a set that isn’t the latest and most complete. Clearly, $20 for those manuals is an IBDA bargain!

Do You Have A Flight Training Story

Flight training, both military and civilian, generates a mixture of experiences that are unique and never forgotten. Hidden in those experiences are stories, good and bad, that provide lessons that remain with the aviator throughout his flying career. We would like to read your favorite stories about your flight training or checkout in the Birddog so send them to us and we’ll post them for our members and website visitors to enjoy.

History of the Birddog

What is a Birddog? This tough and reliable critter is a very special aircraft. In response to a request from the U.S. Army for an improved Liaison aircraft, the Cessna Aircraft Company developed plans, tooled up, and began manufacturing. The first model 305 was delivered to the Army in December of 1950. The Army liked it, designated it the L-19 (Liaison), and named it the “Birddog”. Many L-19’s were immediately deployed to the war in Korea. Others were sent to Army and National Guard units in other areas. Years later, Birddogs were sent to Vietnam and used in various combat roles by the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. By then the designation had been changed to O-1 (Observation). The enemy feared the presence of the Birddog because it forewarned of bad things to come.