In a recording that takes over an hour to listen to, Gordon Autry and Dennis Heap tell the story of Rocky Mountain Airways. Like all stories by aviation pioneers, their story intertwines with so many others. In this story you hear about being in the US airline business before deregulation and post de-regulation. You learn of the gestation of de Havilland’s Dash 7, and Rocky Mountain’s important role in the airplane nowadays sold as the Q400. The impact of STOL was supposed to be big back then.
US airline pioneers were pathfinders in many ways. It took lots of savvy and guts to build the industry that we take for granted today.
The story Gordon tells touches so much of the US aviation industry, it is an education. AirInsight plans to conduct more of these conversations (see the video posted below this post as another example) and if you have an aviation story to tell or know somebody who does, please get in touch.
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The history of Rocky Mountain Airways is very interesting. Early in th 1970s the airline began service to Granby Colorado. I am looking for photos and information on the first flight to Granby.
My deceased father in-law, Gib Nesbitt, helped to attract Rocky Mountain to Granby. “Friends of the Granby Airport” are hoping to honor Gib with a display at the Granby Airport now as part of a renaming program.
I would love to find information and photos from the first flight to Granby in hopes of using them in the new display. I know that my wife, Gib’s daughter, Nora, would be thrilled with any information.
Information or actual photos, press releases, etc. would be valued.
Thank you,
Dean Stull
Enjoyed the interview with Gordon and Dennis, I worked for Rocky Mountain from 73 to 78 and have many great memories working with alot of great people.I have a few photos flying into the ski resorts if I can find them. Best Regards, John
John,
Nice to see your comment and learn of your history with RMA. I would love to see any photos or memorabilia from RMA that relates to the Granby area and specifically RMA service to the Granby Airport.
Best regards,
Dean
I worked for Rocky Mountain Airways for 5 years at the Steamboat Springs STOLport (SBS). It was during that time that RMA became a Continental Express carrier.
I worked for RMA from 1978 – 1980. I enjoyed my time and it was my entry into the airline industry. I ended up working for over 20 yrs as a crew member for Continental Airlines. Thank you so much RMA for a wonderful career…