Albin K. Longren | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Longren in the pilot's seat, 1911 | |
| Born | January 18, 1882 |
| Died | November 19, 1950 (aged 68) |
| Occupation(s) | Aviator; aircraft designer; aviation entrepreneur |
| Known for | Longren Aircraft Corporation founder |
Albin Kasper Longren (January 18, 1882 – November 19, 1950) was an American aviation pioneer from the state of Kansas. Beginning in 1911, Longren successfully flew airplanes of his own design and construction. Fully self-taught as an aircraft designer and pilot, he built a thriving career as a barnstormer with his own craft, becoming known throughout the Midwest as the "Birdman".
He established his own aeronautics manufacturing company, Longren Aircraft Corporation, which produced several models through the 1920s. The handcrafted Longren planes were well regarded by aviation professionals of the era. Longren created several innovations including the design for the first semi-monocoque airplane body. In addition to his own independent enterprises, he worked for many years with some of the best-known companies in the industry – Spartan, Luscombe, and Cessna – until his retirement in 1945.