[1] Bellanca had previously designed his own parasol aircraft in Sicily, bringing the examples to New York to test fly.

Bellanca built a series of biplanes for the Maryland Pressed Steel Company, which folded shortly after World War I.

[2] Bellanca moved west to Omaha, Nebraska to found the Roos-Bellanca Aircraft Company with Victor H. Roos and A.H. Fetters.

The wing struts, made of Port Orford cedar, had functional airfoil shapes to assist with lift.

[3][4] The New York-based Yellow Air Cab Company purchased the CF in 1924 and modified it with an updated forward cockpit, more windows, and a 110 hp Anzani engine.

[5] The Bellanca CF was test flown by airmail pilot Harry G. Smith June 8, 1922 at Fort Crook, Nebraska.