The 1950s: Pressures Build for the Introduction of Business Jets

In 1953, a data service defined business aircraft as planes owned by “a corporation or [other] business organization . . . , powered by at least two engines, equipped to fly day, night and [on] instruments to transport business personnel, prospects, customers, suppliers and friends in connection with the execution of business duties.”1 Using that definition, a survey showed that, as of June 30, 1953, “a total of 954 twin-engined business aircraft [were] owned by 674 U.S. firms; 517 of these firms own[ed] and operate[d] one aircraft, while 157 others operate[d] fleets.” Of these planes, 46% were Beechcraft Model 18s, 20% were DC-3s, 19% were Lockheed Models 12, 14, or 18S and the remainder were assorted other types. At first glance, it appears that PPG had alternatives to buying the The Glasshopper, a C-47 converted to a DC-3.