Continuing the "Seattle Flight" tradition...

History of the original Seattle Flight Service

It started with one Piper Tripacer...

Seattle Flight Service was established in 1959 by Jack Conrad. Then known as Conrad Flying Service, it began with just one Piper Tripacer.

Through the 1960's and '70's, Seattle Flight expanded its fleet to over 40 Piper aircraft, becoming the largest flight school in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle Flight's principle base of operation was located at Boeing Field, with satellite offices at the Bellevue Airfield, Everett-Paine Field and Auburn Airport.

From each of its locations, Seattle Flight provided flight training in aircraft such as the Piper Cherokee Warrior, Cherokee Archer, Cherokee Arrow, Comanche and Twin Comanche. Seattle Flight's Aviation Education Program focused on aspiring professional pilots, training students to the highest standards possible.

Seattle Flight took a college level approach to its flight training courses, providing students with intensified, strictly supervised ground schools through its Aero Academics. Seattle Flight pioneered the use of audio visual presentations, structured training curriculums and continuous feedback.

Seattle Flight was the first aviation education organization to fully standardize its training program, developing training manuals that preceded those that the FAA requires of approved schools today. Seattle Flight also established relationships with local community colleges, enabling its customers to receive an Associate in Science degree in conjunction with their flight training.

Seattle Flight Service became a full-line Piper Aircraft dealer in 1964. From its sales offices at Boeing, Bellevue and Paine, Seattle Flight sold over $1 million worth of aircraft annually, setting national records for Piper dealers. It is true today as it was then, "Piper Aircraft manufactures an airplane designed for nearly every general aviation use." With each customer, Seattle Flight prided itself on "matching the proper airplane with its intended use". With every sale, Seattle Flight's marketing department conducted a thorough traffic and use analysis along with a study of tax benefits and other economic considerations. Once an aircraft was sold, Seattle Flight's Service Department was there to provide the customers with whatever support they required.

With its "Fly Anywhere - Any Time" motto, Seattle Flight's fleet of flight school aircraft, Piper Aztecs and Navajo's provided on-demand charter and air taxi service to customers throughout the US and Canada. Passengers were invited to sit back and relax in the luxurious seat of a private airplane and to "consider the SFS fleet your own private airline". From business trips to fishing, hunting and skiing getaways, Seattle Flight's all Piper fleet provided customers with the ability to reach their destinations in greater speed, comfort and flexibility than other alternatives.

Through its height in the 1970's, Seattle Flight achieved a reputation for outstanding customer service and quality of flight training throughout the US. Seattle Flight's innovation, attention to detail and fun atmosphere were revered by customers and employees alike.

By the early 1980's however, Seattle Flight Service began to suffer the effects of an economic recession and a downturn in the general aviation industry. Its large fleet and four airport locations proved to be more than the market required. Unfortunately for the aviation community, Seattle Flight eventually had to close its doors. Around this same time period, the Bellevue Airfield was also closed and replaced with office buildings.

The new Seattle Flight, Inc.

Seattle Flight in the 21st Century... continuing the tradition

For nearly two decades, the Northwest region lacked an all-Piper School with the values and standards of a company like Seattle Flight. Then, on January 1st, 2002, aviation entrepreneur Seth Garner, aspiring to the values and traditions of the first "Seattle Flight", launched the new Seattle Flight, Inc. from Boeing Field. Like the original Seattle Flight, the fleet began with a single Piper Aircraft, this time a Piper Archer II.

Like its predecessor, the new Seattle Flight has become an innovator in the aviation industry. The new Seattle Flight is the first and only Northwest school to offer all-inclusive guaranteed training packages. This allows students to write just one check for their pilot certificate and includes all of the additional training necessary to pass their check-ride. Seattle Flight has set the aviation training standards in online content, offering online payment, online weight and balance calculations, online scheduling and a full internet-based resource library.

Seattle Flight's expanding fleet of Piper Archer's are some of the best equipped aircraft in the Seattle area, with IFR-approved Garmin GNS-430 GPS with color moving map, ADF, DME and dual CDI/glideslope indicators. All of Seattle Flight's aircraft are equipped with CD players and leather interiors. One aircraft even has air conditioning!

As in its early history, Seattle Flight continues to differentiate itself from the competitors by providing the highest standards in structured, intensive flight training. Seattle Flight has always strived to train students beyond the "minimum requirements for the Airman's Certificate". Through well-designed training programs, constant feedback and analysis and strict attention to detail, Seattle Flight ensures that its customers have a solid foundation to launch their aviation adventures or career. Seattle Flight's experienced and dedicated instructors have passed 27 out of 27 students.

Exceeding expectations with outstanding customer service and product value has always been synonymous with Seattle Flight. All of our customers receive $1 million insurance, full access to online resources and 24-hour dispatch at no additional charge. There is no club to join or monthly dues. Seattle Flight's warm and personable employees are ready to assist customers with any questions or requests that they may have. Seattle Flight's experienced team of retired and furloughed airline captains and check airmen are ready to provide consultation and mentoring to aspiring professional pilots.

Seattle Flight's past mission statement still holds true in the 21st Century:

"We believe the growth of Seattle Flight Service will be achieved only by maintaining the finest, most diversified line of aircraft available in the Pacific Northwest, and by dealing fairly with all customers. Our goal is to maintain an operation capable of providing potential and licensed pilots and aircraft owners the best flight instruction and rental services.

 

It is the responsibility of every Seattle Flight Service employee to actively engage in furthering general aviation as a safe, dependable and practical means of transportation. We seek at all times to adhere to the highest standards of safety and the most ethical and moral business practices."

As Seattle Flight expands and pursues new aviation opportunities, it will set new standards in excellence, flight training quality and efficiency. Through its innovation, customer feedback and the creativity of its employees, Seattle Flight will continuously push the boundaries of the aviation industry.

Seattle Flight invites you to become part of an aviation legend. You are welcome to visit our offices at Boeing Field, take an introductory flight or get checked out in one of the Piper aircraft.

*All images are property of Seattle Flight, Inc.