It’s a milestone year for the Cessna 120 and 140: It’s been 80 years since the first flight on June 28, 1946, of the classic two-seat taildraggers.
The flagship event of the 80th anniversary celebrations is the International Cessna 120-140 Association’s 2026 convention, slated for Sept. 22-26 at the Hangar Hotel at Gillespie County Airport (T82) in Fredericksburg, Texas.
The event will feature a variety of activities from forums and flying games to a Poker Run, a Western-style dance, and more.
“We think the Hangar Hotel is the perfect venue to celebrate the 80th anniversary,” said Marcy Aycock, Convention Co-Chair. “I think it will be an experience that our members will long remember.”
She added that officials are excited to bring the convention back to Texas after holding the last few conventions in the Midwest.
With almost 800 members across the globe, the association expects about 125 attendees and 50 to 60 planes to fly in for this year’s convention.
Aycock noted that includes international visitors. Past conventions have brought in members from Nova Scotia and Germany, while this year members from Mexico and Argentina may attend the event.
“We never know for sure because our little airplanes are very weather dependent,” she added.
That’s why they expect several members to drive in or fly commercially to the convention.
“We have some members from New England and that’s a long way to fly in a 120 or a 140,” she said. “But we’ve had a lot of great interest and people are excited about Fredericksburg and Texas.”
Activities
Convention organizers have a host of activities planned, including a tour of the National Museum of the Pacific Theater, a visit to historic Luckenbach, Texas, an ice cream social, and more.
One of the highlights is a Poker Run, which will take participants to five locations, including some private ranch strips.
“This will give our members opportunities to fly into some places they wouldn’t get to otherwise,” she said.
There also will be flying games, including Short Take Off, Short Landing, and a Nerf Bomb Drop.
The association will also bestow several awards during the convention, including:
- Best Original 120
- Best Modified 120
- Best Original 140
- Best Modified 140
- Best Original 140A
- Best Modified 140A
- People’s Choice
- Farthest Flown
- Work in Progress
All Are Welcome
What if you aren’t a member of the association, but want to celebrate the anniversary?
Aycock noted that all are welcome.
“We welcome other aircraft owners to join us if they are interested and want to see our airplanes,” she said. “Come on out.”
She extends a special invitation to Cessna 120 and 140 owners who are unfamiliar with the association to join in the festivities.
“We want people to know they are welcome,” she said.
Concerned about the possibility of bad weather?
She noted the association offers a full refund if you register but are unable to attend due to weather.
“We don’t want people to hesitate to register. We will work with them because we know that these planes are very weather dependent, but it’s going to be beautiful weather for sure,” she added hopefully.
Registration is $125 for individuals and $150 for couples, and includes a wide range of meals, snacks, beverages, and social activities throughout the week.
For more information: Cessna120140.com
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