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.
