A second Grumman Goose (N9750Z) was added a year later and additional Goose pilots were hired. A Grumman Goose (N1045), fresh out of total rebuild, was bought from Lloyd Rekow at Boeing Field in Seattle and immediately put to work. Ludwigsen had long wanted to fly the Grummans, and now had the chance. Southeast Alaska's timber industry was in full swing and a Grumman G-21A Goose was added to the fleet to serve the many logging camps working the region. After flying commercially up North for several years, he moved back to Ketchikan with his wife. Herman received his private license in 1947 while training under Jim Webber and Don Ross. In 1967, Pete Cessnun hired local flier Herman Ludwigsen as the company's new chief pilot. Despite the serious setback, Webber Air Service managed to stay in operation and continued serving the Ketchikan community at-large. The company's future looked bright at the time, but fate struck just a few short weeks later, with the tragic AugGranite Basin Lake accident and loss of pilot Carl Manzoni and three passengers in the Cessna 185 (N4100Y). All went to fly for Webber's major competitor located up the street. Also worth mentioning is that many notable Ketchikan commercial aviators got their seaplane training as Webber Air flight school graduates, including Ellis Air captains: Hank Aegerter, Joe Diamond, Ed Zaugg, Leon Snodderly, Ray Peterson, and brothers Dick and Tom Jackson. Pete Johnson designed a distinctive new company logo for the aircraft and company signage, etc. Dockhand Terry Wills was soon to get his commercial pilot license as well. The pilot staff roster at the time was led by Pete Cessnun, Carl Manzoni, Peter Johnson, John Baker, and Don Ross as a fill in when needed. One of these was Ketchikan's first Cessna 185 (N4100Y), featuring an external cargo belly pod modification. The expansive aircraft parking deck included an elevator lift to bring up the airplanes, a nose-in maintenance hangar, and fresh water spray washer to easily clean saltwater off the planes.įive Cessna 180/185 Skywagon floatplanes comprised the heart of the fleet. The new building featured a comfortable passenger lobby and ticket counter, dispatch room, offices, and freight department. Webber Air is a Cessna Dealer, and operates all new modern equipment" (offering aircraft, parts, and service). is 'the most modern seaplane base in Alaska', offering Charter Service, Flight Instruction, Aircraft Maintenance and storage for local and transit aircraft. The company ad brochure description noted: "The new Webber Air, Inc. In 1962, the company launched major expansion construction plans to build a new larger terminal facility located on the 1515 Tongass waterfront property that was completed in July. Carl's wife Irene helped run the office, together with Pete's wife Annie. Manzoni, who eventually became a full partner in Webber Air, Inc. Cessnun formed a close friendship with one of the company's best pilots, Carl A. Cessnun decided to convert the flight school into a full-fledged air taxi business in order to meet the increasing market demand for services. Webber Air Service incorporated in 1949, and by 1954 Pete Cessnun became sole owner. In 1948, Cessnun and Ross bought out Webber's share to purchase the growing company bearing his name. The Aeronca proved very successful, and later a second Aeronca was acquired. A new 4-place Aeronca Sedan (NC1366H) was added for charter work and flightseeing excursions, which Don Ross flew up the coast from Seattle. Bill allowed Webber to purchase several more factory new Luscombes to establish a flight school in Ketchikan. The June 1947 Ketchikan Telephone Directory lists Webber Air Service's first hangar location as being located at 1505 Tongass Avenue. All three were former WWII combat pilots who served overseas with the Eighth U.S. They soon welcomed Don Ross as third partner. Jim Webber formed a partnership that same year with Edwin J. Webber using a single 2-place Luscombe 8A seaplane on Edo floats (NC71101 or NC71299). Webber Air Service started up in Ketchikan in 1946 by James M.
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