It is the oldest airline in the world to have been in continuous service.
It began when Woodrow Wilson was US president, operating from a small dock at the end of Flagler Street in Miami.
When Captain A B Chalk launched his tiny airline in 1919, all he had was a small table which he used as a desk, a beach umbrella, a telephone attached to a nearby utility pole and a three-seat Stinson Voyager.
In 1926, Watson Island became the cornerstone of the operation, the terminal built on landfill near downtown Miami.
Over the years, Chalk’s has carried many major celebrities, including writer Ernest Hemingway, aviator Howard Hughes, actresses Lana Turner, Ava Gardner and Judy Garland – and the Chicago gangster Al Capone.
In 1933, Cuban dictator Gerardo Machado fled the island in a hail of bullets aboard a Chalk’s seaplane.
During Prohibition, Chalk’s made money taking rumrunners to Bimini to check on their inventory. They also profited by carrying Revenue men, who were pursuing the bootleggers.
In more recent times, Miami Dolphins footballers have used Chalk’s to relax in the islands between big games.
And the famous singing group, the BeeGees, regarded the airline as a discreet way to get from Miami to Paradise Island without any, hassle.
Ageless star Zsa Zsa Gabor was also a customer, along with movie star George Hamilton.
Although Chalk’s safety record has been outstanding’ there have been several amazing incidents in the airline’s history.
In 1972, a Bimini-bound flight was hi-jacked after the pilot and mechanic were shot arid wounded. The co-pilot was forced to fly to Cuba.
In its long history, Chalk’s has been owned by sever al highprofile characters.
Jim Crosby of Resonts International bought it in the mid1970s. But when his company hit money troubles in 1989, Chalk’s almost went tinder. Donald Trump and Merv Griffin were also owners at different times.
The versatility of Chalk’s seaplanes has been used many times in emergencies.
After the 1926 hurricane, Chalk’s rescued many people in the Florida keys. During the Second World War, the airline flew anti-submarine patrols Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Chalk’s evacuated the islands before and after the storm.
Throughout its history, Chalk’s has prided itself on its repair and maintenance operation.
With more than 80 years of experience, it became expert at structural repairs and anti-corrosion techniques.
In its brochure, the airline says: “We have an experienced and highly skilled team dedicated to preserving and improving the rugged but aging amphibians.”
Source: The Tribune
