Aeronca 15 Sedan

The Aeronca 15 Sedan, introduced by the Aeronca Aircraft Corporation in 1936, was the company’s first four‑seat, high‑wing monoplane and marked a pivotal shift from its earlier two‑seat utility models. Developed during the golden age of general aviation, the Sedan was built at Aeronca’s Cincinnati plant and quickly earned a reputation for reliability, ease of handling, and modest operating costs, making it popular with flight schools, private owners, and small charter operators. Powered originally by a Continental A-70 70‑horsepower engine, later versions received the more robust Continental R‑670 radial delivering up to 225 hp, which expanded payload and cruise performance to about 115 mph. The all‑metal fuselage, fabric‑covered wings, and fixed tailwheel undercarriage typified 1930s design while offering a spacious cabin with side‑by‑side seating for two front passengers and a rear bench for two children or luggage. Its simple, robust construction and forgiving flight characteristics helped democratize air travel for families and contributed to the expansion of aeroclubs across the United States. Though production ended in 1941, the Aeronca 15 Sedan remains a celebrated example of pre‑war American ingenuity, influencing later light‑aircraft designs and preserving a legacy of accessible, economical flight.