Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960

Airport of the Month-Operations Spotlight

Crystal Transformed By Runway, Taxiway Changes

Independent flight schools had their "golden age" in the 1960s and 70s when there were four training operations at Crystal and the sky all-around was never still.

Two of those operations also had busy aircraft charter services. There were some colorful characters too, including Lee Gilligan, who owned Crystal-Shamrock Airways. Shamrock was a Cessna Pilot Center and one of the last operators to offer passenger service in the DC-3.

In the 21st century, most flight training transitioned to large institutions. Professional pilots now find learning their craft at colleges and universities increasin...

 

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