Wheeler Airlines was a pioneering African-American-owned airline that operated in the United States during the late 1960s and 1970s. Founded by Warren Hervey Wheeler, it was established in 1969 in Durham, North Carolina. Wheeler Airlines didn’t start as an airline. Initially, it offered flights and aircraft maintenance services under the name Wheeler Flying Service. However, it rapidly expanded its operations to include scheduled flights, connecting destinations like Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, and Greenville with nearby cities such as Newport News, Richmond, and New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The airline played a crucial role in regional connectivity, serving smaller towns and cities.
Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Obstacles
Warren Hervey Wheeler was born in Durham in 1943 and came from a family with a rich legacy of business and civil rights activism. His fascination with flying began in the 1950s, and by the age of fourteen, he was already drawn to aviation. Wheeler pursued his passion for aviation, despite facing racial barriers. He earned his private pilot’s license while attending North Carolina A&T State College.
Wheeler’s journey into aviation was not without challenges. He was hindered by racial segregation and sought training outside the South. He eventually found acceptance at the American Flyers School in Oklahoma. When he returned to North Carolina in 1962, Wheeler encountered limited job opportunities for African American pilots. Eventually, he founded his flying school in Chapel Hill and laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
From Pilot to Owner
In 1966, Wheeler made history as Piedmont Airlines’ first African American pilot. Yet, his ambitions extended beyond the cockpit. In 1969, he established Wheeler Flying Service, becoming the first African American to own a commercial airline. Despite facing economic headwinds, Wheeler Airlines thrived, connecting various North Carolina towns and expanding its reach beyond state borders.
During the early 1980s, Wheeler Airlines went through some exciting growth spurts. As major airlines redirected planes to bigger cities, Wheeler Airlines stepped up. By 1984 they had a fleet of five aircraft. They set their destinations to smaller towns and cities like Wilmington, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Tri-Cities, Tennessee.
What set Wheeler Airlines apart was its dedication to diversity and the employment of Black pilots. Notably, many of them were relatively inexperienced but eager to learn and grow in the industry. This commitment to diversity was exemplified by the hiring of two pioneering Black women pilots.
For many of the pilots, their journey with Wheeler Airlines began at the Wheeler Flying Service. They received training through programs like the Federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) Program. The experience the pilots gained at Wheeler Airlines proved to be invaluable.
Inspiring Future Generations
In 1991, Wheeler Airlines closed its doors but Warren Hervey Wheeler’s legacy endures. His determination broke barriers in the aviation industry and paved the way for future generations of African American aviators. For twenty-two years, Wheeler lived his dream, leaving a mark on North Carolina’s aviation landscape.