HISTORY OF AMERICAN FLYERS
In 1947, I.H. Montgomery founded Aviation Training Enterprises (A.T.E) at Midway Airport in Illinois. A.T.E. became well known as the leader in Instrument training for civilian pilots within the United States. A.T.E. developed many of the techniques for teaching civilian pilots the art of Instrument Flying, much of which is still in use today. A.T.E. was also the first civilian flight training school to utilize full flight simulators for both general and commercial aviation education.
In 1980, American Flyers merged with A.T.E. and the combined company continued to operate as American Flyers. Highly respected for our expertise in IFR instruction and holding true to our tradition of supporting pilots throughout their careers, American Flyers provides renewal certification to nearly 50% of all Flight Instructors today.
Presently, American Flyers operates six training facilities in Arizona, New Jersey, Florida and Texas. A fleet of over 55 aircraft, 25 simulators along with over 300 dedicated employees assist with the education and support of over 2,500 students each year. In addition to onsite education, American Flyers is the leader of flight education, offering initial and recurrency training courses to business people, professionals and career-oriented students via our locations and online. Today, American Flyers is headquartered in Addison, TX and continues to be proud of our service to aviation. We look forward to the years to come.
AMERICAN FLYERS FLIGHT SCHOOL
& AIRLINE TIMELINE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
American Flyers was established in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1939 by Mr. Reed Pigman. Mr. Pigman was an early pioneer of civil aviation who was actively involved in the initial development of foundational radio navigation systems, including the VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) system, during the 1930s. At its inception, American Flyers uniquely operated as both a flight training facility and an active charter airline.
During World War II, American Flyers stepped up to support the United States war effort. They were selected as one of a very small number of civilian flight schools contracted directly by both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy to provide primary flight training to military pilots.
Yes. In 1949, Reed Pigman expanded the charter operations of American Flyers Airline utilizing surplus World War II C-47s (DC-3s). The airline achieved notable milestones, including becoming one of the first air carriers to fly university athletic teams to conference games, transporting military troops for the U.S. Air Force “Military Airlift Command” in 1966, and acquiring Lockheed L-1049 “Super Constellations” for international service. The airline eventually became Universal Airline in 1971.
In 1964, the Beatles contracted American Flyers Airline to fly them to 25 cities across the United States during their legendary first American tour. Because mass fan hysteria led to the band being forbidden from landing at major international airports like Chicago O’Hare and Boston Logan, American Flyers successfully navigated the tour by utilizing smaller regional airports throughout the country.
Founded in 1947 by I.H. Montgomery at Chicago’s Midway Airport, Aviation Training Enterprises (A.T.E.) became the recognized national leader in instrument flight training for civilian pilots. A.T.E. pioneered many of the instructional techniques used in modern instrument flying and was the first civilian flight training school to utilize full flight simulators for general and commercial aviation education. In 1980, A.T.E. merged with American Flyers, combining their flight training expertise under the American Flyers brand name.
Today, American Flyers is headquartered in Addison, Texas, and operates six training facilities across Arizona, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas. The organization utilizes a fleet of over 55 aircraft and 25 flight simulators, supported by over 300 dedicated employees. They educate more than 2,500 students annually and provide certificate renewal training to nearly 50% of all flight instructors in the United States.