The Sorted & Interesting History of Aviation in Arizona

How Aircraft Hangars Played a Key Role

JUNE 2025

Susceptible To Weather-Related Damage

In the emerging first days of aviation, aircraft hangars were critical to the survival and growth of this new and exciting industry. Airplanes built in the early 20th century were delicate and fragile, built mostly of wood, fabric, and wire, making them exceedingly susceptible to weather related damage. Hangars provided the necessary shelter from rain, wind, sun, and dust—especially critical in rugged regions like Arizona, where harsh desert conditions presented unique challenges to aircraft structural integrity and internal systems.

Experiment and Improve Existing Designs

Well beyond physical protection, hangars functioned as vital aircraft operational and organizational hubs. They created a secure space for repairs and maintenance, storage of parts, and workshops where early aviators and mechanics were free to experiment and improve upon existing designs. Hangars also served as central command centers for flight planning, pilot instruction, and aviation community gatherings among a small but quickly growing group of flying enthusiasts and aspiring pilots.

Increasingly Complex Airfields

As aviation began to transform from a curious novelty to a legitimate mode of transportation, hangars added credibility and legitimacy to the industry. Airports with hangars were trusted as simply more mainstream and professional, drawing pilots, investment, and favorable public support. In trailblazing regions like Arizona, hangars became the initial fixed buildings of aviation infrastructure, forming a good starting point for increasingly complex airfields and ultimately commercial airports. In the absence of these early hangars, aviation progress would have been slower, far riskier, and less successful.

Arizona’s Aviation Infrastructure Has Evolved Significantly

With these facts in mind, the early history of airplane hangars in Arizona is deeply intertwined with the state’s notable pioneering role in modern aviation. From the mentioned rudimentary structures of the early 20th century to the highly complex and sophisticated facilities we see today, Arizona’s aviation infrastructure has evolved significantly. Perhaps it is the dry and arid desert air, devoid of damaging moisture, that has always been a major draw for those in search of climate-friendly aircraft storage options.

Early Aircraft Hangars in Arizona and The Bird Man

During the early 1900s, Arizona’s vast dry desert and wide-open spaces attracted aviation enthusiasts and pioneers from all reaches of the country. The state’s first ever constructed airfield was built in Tucson, where Charles “the bird man” Hamilton landed his Curtis Bi-Plane at the Elysian Grove Amusement Park in 1910. This event marked Tucson’s initial foray into aviation and set the stage for an exciting aviation future that still thrives today.

Makeshift Structures

As aviation continued to gain in popularity, the need for dedicated, secure, and protective spaces to house aircraft became clear. Early hangars were, as mentioned, often nothing more than unstable makeshift structures, crafted from wood and rudimentary corrugated metal, reflecting the nascent stages of what was obviously a new and burgeoning industry. These facilities were not just storage spaces but centers for forward-looking innovation, strategic planning, and experimentation.

The Civilian Pilot Training Program

Shortly thereafter, in Phoenix, the development of Sky Harbor Airport in the 1930s provided a larger and more permanent base for quickly increasing aviation activities. The airport’s first hangar was a modest structure that served as a base for early commercial flights and pilot training. In addition, during this time, Arizona State University played a modest but notable role in the state’s aviation development. During World War II, ASU supported the Civilian Pilot Training Program, helping prepare pilots for military service. The university’s proximity to Sky Harbor airport allowed for collaboration in training and aviation education.

“High In Desert Skies” By William Kalt III

William Kalt III’s book, High in Desert Skies, offers a comprehensive look at Arizona’s aviation history. The title reflects upon the state’s expansive skies, which have witnessed numerous aviation milestones. Kalt delves deep into the stories of early aviators, the challenges they faced, and the evolution of aviation infrastructure throughout Arizona. His work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the state’s significant contributions to the aviation industry. William D. Kalt III is an Arizona-based author and historian renowned for his work on early aviation history within the state.

The “Man-Birds” Of Arizona in the 1910s

Going back once again to the early period of the 1910s, Arizona was a true hotbed for aviation exhibitions and airshow spectacles. These events featured daredevil aviators performing dangerous stunts and showcasing the unique capabilities of early aircraft. The term “man-birds” was coined to describe these courageous flyers, who seemed to defy gravity and convention. Their performances captivated onlookers and ignited public interest in aviation. The 1910 Phoenix Aero Meet was one such event that highlighted the state’s role in the newly discovered world of aviation.

Ruth Reinhold: A Central Figure in Arizona Aviation

Also of note, Ruth Reinhold was a trailblazer in Arizona’s aviation history. Starting her flying career in 1933, she quickly ascended to become one of the state’s first highly skilled female pilots. Reinhold’s contributions were many indeed: she flew charter flights, sold various aircraft, and served as a flight instructor in the Civilian Pilot Training Program during World War II. Perhaps most notably, she was the personal pilot for Senator Barry Goldwater for over two decades, even assisting with his popular political campaign.

Arizona Department of Aeronautics Board

Beyond her abundant flying activities, Reinhold was instrumental in developing aviation policy and education throughout the state of Arizona. She served on the Arizona Department of Aeronautics Board and authored Sky Pioneering: Arizona in Aviation History, a comprehensive account of the state’s aviation development. Ruth, like many other aviation pioneers of the day, relied on the development and steady improvement in hangar technology to protect and preserve early aircraft.

Bonanza Air Lines and Its Impact on Arizona Aviation

Later, Bonanza Air Lines, which was founded in 1945, played an equally significant role in Arizona’s overall aviation landscape. Initially starting out as an air charter service, it rapidly expanded to become a regional airline, connecting various cities across the western United States. In 1966, Bonanza moved its headquarters to Phoenix, further solidifying Arizona’s position in the aviation industry. Bonanza Air Lines is yet another example of the vital utility and usefulness of hangars, which were in ever growing demand at the time.

Merged Into Delta Air Lines

The airline’s operations spawned economic growth and increased mobility within the region. Bonanza’s legacy continued through its eventual merger with West Coast Airlines and Pacific Air Lines in 1968, ultimately forming Air West, which later became part of Hughes Airwest and eventually merged into Delta Air Lines.

An Integral Role in The Development of Aviation

Arizona’s aviation history is rich and multifaceted, with early hangars serving as the foundation for a thriving industry. Figures like Ruth Reinhold exemplify the state’s pioneering spirit, while events such as the “man-birds” exhibitions and the establishment of airlines like Bonanza Air Lines highlight Arizona’s integral role in the development of aviation in the United States. The state’s expansive and wide-open clear skies continue to be a testament to its enduring legacy in the fascinating world of past and present aviation.