Purportedly two million passengers flew Los Angeles Airways by 1961! #AAM 1.0
The punchline part!
“The Sikorsky 61-L Copter Liner”
By 1960, those piston-powered S-55s were still in use by Los Angeles Airways. However, a new Sikorsky production prototype was tested on December 6, 1960 that would revolutionize travel. These new luxurious Sikorskys were designed from the start specifically for airline use and to airline standards - capable of carrying 3 crew members, 28 passengers, and 1000 pounds of cargo. Each one had a General Electric turbine-powered, twin-engine, advertised as “quiet, comfortable, safe!” In April, 1961. the 200-hour tie-down test was completed within 20 days. A provisional Type Certificate was awarded on May 22, 19st, and on June 21 the Type Inspection Authorization was received, with the Final F.A.A. Certificate to follow.
“Guest Services and Accommodations”
Guest Services and Accommodations included both telephones and restrooms in the Heliport Station.
By September 28, 1958, some $650 of land improvements (a fence) had been made to the Heliport. In addition, new signs (job #4010-513) were added to the Heliport at a cost of $110. During this era, the Los Angeles Airways Heliport yielded revenue for Disneyland Inc. - for instance $325 for the fiscal year (52 weeks) ending September 28, 1958 and $300 for the fiscal year (52 weeks) ending September 29, 1959.
Someone should run the safety numbers with the accidents, and the financials for historical perspective.
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