Franklin Flying Field ~ History

History

The History Of Franklin Flying Field

Franklin Flying Field began on the family farm owned by Pop Mullendore. He was well known for raising Polled Hereford cattle. They are prized for their meat and are unusual because they are born without any horns. Pop had a good friend who loved to fly, so he encouraged Pop to put in a runway on the farm, which he did, and Franklin Flying Field began with a single grass runway in 1937.

Pop's oldest son, Jack, was a flight instructor in the Navy during WW II and his younger son, Don, flew aerial spotting missions for the war effort at nearby Camp Atterbury. He became a flight instructor in 1944. After WorldWar II ended, Jack and Don, had all the flying they could handle, as hundreds of just released servicemen came to Franklin Flying Field to learn to fly under the G. I. Bill. It was so busy in those days that reservations for lessons had to made several weeks ahead of time. Before long, the airport had three grass runways and six instructors, along with Don and Jack to provide the flight training. The airport also provided R.O.T.C. training for DePauw University of Greencastle. Don had every fixed wing pilot rating available at the time and was an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.

Having a grass runway was one of the stipulations William Piper required for an airport to sell his J-3 Cubs. In the 1940's the Mullendores were granted a dealership for Piper Aircraft. In those days, William Piper personally visited his dealerships and would often come and spend the night at the home of Pop Mullendore, whose home was located on the lane leading up to airport. Franklin Flying Field owned and sold many J-3 Cubs and had the very first Piper PA-11 in the State of Indiana. Later, they were the first in the state to receive a Piper Colt.

Don and Jack also operated a very busy charter service. As strange as it may seem, they began their charter service with Piper Tri-Pacers. Among other things, they hauled T.V. screens made by Arvin in Edinburgh to the Admiral Television Company in Chicago. Over the years, nearly every type of Piper single engine and multiengine aircraft was used for charter and for flight instruction at the Franklin Flying Field. They also operated Cessnas and other aircraft over the years. Many pilots, who later flew for the airlines, received their training at Franklin Flying Field. The demand for flight training slowed when the G.I. Bill benefits ran out in the 1970's.

While on a Charter flight in 1978, Don Mullendore died when his airplane crashed in a thunderstorm. Jack continued to run the airport during the 1980's, but airport operations slowed down due to a general reduction in aviation activities nationwide during this time. Much of this was because of the slowing economy in general and the fact that the major aircraft manufacturers stopped producing new aircraft. This was mainly because of extremely high liability costs to the manufacturers and a drop in sales which made selling new airplanes unprofitable. Jack Mullendore was a Indiana State Representative during this time, but continued to operate the airport, until he passed away from cancer in the early 1990's. His wife, Marguerite Mullendore, operated the airport until it was purchased by Gary Hunter and George Adams.

Gary Hunter and George Adams took Possession of the Franklin Flying Field on February 8, 1996 and almost immediately began to remodel the existing office building. They also took down some of the old hangers and other buildings that were in poor repair. Several new buildings and hangers were constructed and the general condition of the airport was greatly improved. Other improvements included repaving of the taxiways, installation of a new computerized fuel dispensing facility, new runway lighting, and doors installed to enclose all of the hanger buildings. Older training aircraft were sold or refurbished, and one newer aircraft has been purchased. Flight training has remained a major activity at the airport, with many students eagerly developing the skill of operating on a runway that is narrower and shorter than average. Franklin Flying Field also maintains a grass airstrip and offers tailwheel training and endorsements.

There are a number of Experimental aircraft on the field at Franklin. As a matter of fact, several Experimental aircraft have built in the hangers of Franklin Flying Field over the years. Jerry Brown, well known restorer of Waco and other vintage aircraft, restores and rebuilds classic aircraft in his restoration facility on the field. Just for a chance to see an open cockpit Waco biplane arrive or depart the airport, with the unique sound of its "round" engine, is worth the trip to Franklin Flying Field.

Franklin Flying Field has offered excellent aircraft service since 1946 when Tony Rostanzo began an aircraft repair and maintenance facility on the field. At one time, maintenance for all state owned aircraft was done on the field. As an A & P and IA, Tony provided service for all types of general aviation aircraft until his retirement in August of 2003. Tony's fine tradition continues with Francis Balzer, also an A & P and IA, who provides the best aircraft repair and maintenance to be found anywhere in the area. Like Tony, Fran is experienced with the older tailwheel and fabric aircraft.

Sky diving first began at Franklin Flying Field in 1969 with jumpers using the airport's planes and pilots. Then, in 1979 Jerry's Sky Diving Circus relocated to the field when the airport they were using closed. Richard Money owns and operates the school that offers parachute jumping opportunities for the first timer, as well as, free falling for the experienced jumper. They also offer tandem parachuting for those who want the comfort of jumping with an experienced instructor. The skydiving school has three aircraft and its own hanger, complete with classroom and repacking facilities.

All week, and especially on the weekend, Franklin Flying Field is a beehive of activity. So whether your aircraft interest is in general aviation, experimental, light sport, tailwheel, ultralite, weight shift, powered parachute, or sky diving, you will find something to your liking at Franklin Flying Field.

As we like to say, "Get a higher education - learn to fly at Franklin Flying Field".

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