The Curtiss Commando Page
The Curtiss Commando Page

Woods Air Service

Operator Identification

  1961 to 2000

  United States of America


TYPE: Airline

IATA/ICAO CODES: -- / ---

HEADQUARTERS: Palmer, AK

FORMER NAME: Nil

SUBSEQUENT NAME: Nil

Operator History

Woods Air Service was founded in 1961 by Warren C. “Bud” Woods in Palmer, AK. A 1956 graduate of Palmer High and a member of the Air National Guard Reserve, Bud Woods wanted to deliver cargo and supplies to remote Alaska, and later became known for some daring helicopter rescues of stranded climbers off Mount McKinley. Woods Air Service soon grew to operate Cessna Skywagons, DHC3 Otters, DHC4 Caribous, DC3s, Commandos and a DC6. A subsidiary called Woods Air Fuel was created to supply fuel to remote Alaskan communities.

Bud Woods died in the crash of a DHC4 Caribou on 20 March 1986, and his son Warren G. Woods Jr took over the helm of the company.

Commando Operations

September 1983* to August 1993*

Commandos Operated

  • Curtiss C-46A-35-CU Commando: N9852F

Last edited: 19/05/2019