History
In 1911 Cheyenne entered the world of aviation. While the air demonstration at the fairgrounds that year was less than impressive, it marked the beginning of what would become a rich aviation history. Throughout the years, the Cheyenne Airport would not only impact the city's economy, but its cultural history, and the whole nation, as well.
It was the U.S. Post Office that gave Cheyenne's fledgling aviation efforts its first real boost. With the introduction of airmail routes following World War I, the Cheyenne civic leaders successfully lobbied to establish Cheyenne as a cross country site. Buck Heffron piloted the first air mail flight destined for Salt Lake City on September 9, 1920 . Heffron flew in a DH-4, an aircraft that could barely reach an altitude high enough to clear the mountains and had a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). The pilot was one of the brave aviators who took off on daring flights guided only by limited instruments, landmarks and a few maps.
Cheyenne's airport saw its first commercial passengers in the 1920s. This first passenger was Elizabeth Brown, a female barber. She enjoyed a ride with World War I pilot, C.A. McKenzie, in a Curtis Oriole biplane. With the step up to the impressive DC-3 in 1937 passengers enjoyed greater comfort and safety. Soon DC-3s were flying Cheyenne passengers to both coasts and south to Denver.
The Boeing/United Airlines Terminal Building, Hangar and Fountain, built for what would become United Airlines between 1929 and 1934, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During World War II the airport served as a completion and modification center for B-17 aircraft. Captain Ralph S. Johnson was a test pilot for the then United States Army Air Corps, forerunner to the Air Force. The tail turret on the B-17 is also known as the "Cheyenne" turret because it was invented at the Cheyenne airport. Until 1961 the airport also housed the training center where United Airlines stewardesses came from across the country to train.
The airport had its share of celebrated visitors. Among those illustrious aviators to touch down on its runways were Charles Lindbergh, aboard the famous "Spirit of St. Louis," and Amelia Earhart. Many of the airport's rich historic events are chronicled in fascinating display on the walls inside the airport restaurant.
Because of its high altitude, major aircraft manufacturers test their planes at Cheyenne. The latest test planes were Embraer of Brazil's ERJ-170 and 190 aircraft, Boeing's 737-900, and Boeing's 787 dreamliner.
Read more about this topic: Cheyenne Regional Airport
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