Charles
Lindbergh's transatlantic flight in 1927 increased interest in
aviation and the Air Commerce Act of 1926 established a government
certification program of pilots and aircraft giving the industry
safety and legitimacy. Rearwin
Airplanes
was founded by Raymond Andrew "Rae" Rearwin in 1928.
Employing his two
sons, Royce and Ken, the small company designed and built over 400
airplanes.
History
1928:
R A Rearwin founds Rearwin Airplanes Inc.
1937: Rearwin
Airplanes acquires LeBlond Aircraft Co and renames the engine
manufacturer Ken-Royce Motors.
1939: The
company re-names itself Rearwin Aircraft and Engines Inc.
1942: Rearwin
is sold to the Empire Ordnance Company and the name of
the company is changed to Commonwealth Aircraft.
1946: Commonwealth
Aircraft goes out of business.
