Click on each picture to view a larger size of the picture.
In January of 1948, the Showalter Corporation purchased the business and facilities of Raymond Aviation Company located at the Orlando Municipal Airport. The Showalter offices were moved to the Orlando Municipal Airport. Flying services were offered at both the Winter Park and Orlando locations, with Ford B. Rogers, Jr. serving as manager of the enlarged operations.
In November of 1948, the Central Florida Air Squadron Civil Air Patrol was organized with 40 members. Howard Showalter was named Squadron Commander.
In 1952, a new terminal was built at the Orlando Municipal Airport, later to be named Herndon Airport. Showalter Corporation was the successful bidder to initiate the first Fixed Base Operation at the Municipal Airport, with all the changes it was time for a new name that reflected those changes. Showalter Corporation changed its name to Showalter Flying Service, Inc. This year, 2004, they record their 59th year of being a family-owned and operated air service business.
In the late 1970s Robert (Bob) Showalter was asked how Showalter Flying Service continued to be successful. His reply was "there is no finer general aviation airport in the country. We have excellent electronic navigational aids, outstanding service, and a convienient downtown location." It still holds true today.
Showalter Flying Service, Inc. maintains a web site at: www.showalter.com and additional history of Showalter Airpark can be found on the Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields: Florida, Northern Orlando Area web page.
Images on this page, top to bottom are: The flight line circa 1958; The first office at Orlando Municipal Airport; Sandy Showalter, Ford B. Rogers and Howard Showalter, circa 1958.
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