American Flyers

  1949 to May 1971

  United States of America

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TYPE: Non-scheduled airline & flight school

IATA/ICAO CODES: Nil

HEADQUARTERS: Fort Worth, TX

FORMER NAME: Nil

SUBSEQUENT NAME: Universal Airlines (airline business purchased)

Established in Fort Worth, TX in 1939 by Reed Pigman, American Flyers started as a flight school and FBO. Reed Pigman was an early pioneer of civil aviation and was involved in the early development of radio navigation systems such as the VOR system in the 1930s. During WWII, American Flyers was contracted by both the USAAF and the US Navy to train military pilots in support of the war effort.

In 1949, Reed Pigman created a charter airline with surplus WW2 Douglas C-47s. These remained in service until the mid 1960’s, primarily as crew shuttles by early 1960’s. In 1960, American Flyers Airline purchased four Lockheed Constellations from Delta Airlines, two L-049 models and two L-149 models, with the L-149s having increased range and fuel capacity. These “Connies” permitted long range charters. At this time two brand new Lockheed L-188 “Electra’s” were purchased greatly enhancing services.

Between 19 August and 20 September 1964, “The Beatles” contracted American Flyers to fly them on their first tour across 25 cities of the United States. They were forbidden from landing at Chicago O’Hare and Boston Logan Airports due to the mass hysteria of the fans and landing at smaller airports in the area. Also in 1964, the airline added several Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellations, allowing greater international service options.

In 1966, American Flyers Airline added four more Lockheed Electras and began receiving contracts from the USAF Military Airlift Command to transport troops.

In May, 1971 the airline was absorbed by Universal Airlines, which was in turn taken over by Saturn Airways in 1972. The school arm of the company still operates to this day as American Flyers, one of the largest flight schools in the USA.

October 1976* to October 1985*

American Flyers operated at least one Commando in cargo configuration. [dates discrepancy]

• Curtiss C-46A-60-CK Commando: N611Z