Birddog community celebrates 75th anniversary with fly-in at Textron Aviation

Textron Aviation recently welcomed over 100 members of the International Birddog Association (IBDA) to its East Campus to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the iconic Cessna L-19/O-1 Birddog. The event honored the aircraft’s enduring legacy and the people who have kept its story alive for generations. 

Originally developed at the company’s Pawnee Plant in Wichita, Kansas, to meet a U.S. Army requirement, the Birddog — correctly spelled as one word, with no space — first flew in 1949 and entered service in 1950. It went on to serve in 24 militaries worldwide, including extensive use in the Korean and Vietnam wars as a forward air control and reconnaissance aircraft. Its design innovations like tandem seating, angled windows and overhead visibility panels made it a trusted tool for observation and liaison missions. 

Twenty-eight Birddog aircraft arrived at Beech Field (KBEC) for the celebration, which included lunch, a narrated history presentation, static displays and manufacturing tours. Veterans, historians and international guests joined employees in commemorating the aircraft and the people who gave it purpose. 

“Celebrating our heritage connects generations and fuels the future of flight,” said Travis Tyler, president & CEO, Textron Aviation Defense in his welcome remarks. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to welcome these aircraft back to their birthplace and to honor the veterans who flew them with distinction.” 

Textron Aviation employees from Defense, VETCOM, Customer Support, Human Resources and Facilities played a key role in coordinating logistics and hosting guests, exemplifying the company’s collaborative culture and commitment to honoring military heritage.  

“As a 20-year Air Force Veteran, engaging with the Birddog association was a delightful experience that allowed us time to speak with fellow Veterans and get a small glimpse of their amazing military history through their stories,” said Todd Bayless, Airport Operations manager, Textron Aviation. “It also permitted us to maintain a direct connection with our legacy aircraft, allowing us to understand the Birddog’s extraordinary capabilities, appreciate our heritage and recognize the advancements that have taken place because of the aircraft’s accomplishments.” 

The Birddog’s legacy lives on in civilian aviation, law enforcement, missionary work and more. For Textron Aviation, the fly-in was more than a milestone — it was a reaffirmation of its deep roots in military aviation training and its ongoing commitment to inspiring the future of flight.