O T PHO Y AMIL UTTER F C 1931). Flying was, and still is, the basis of the family primary location at West Mesa Airport in Albuquerque. In business. Sid’s father started Cutter Flying Service (also addition to basic fl ight training, many pilots were trained known as Cutter Aviation), a general aviation fi xed base for glider operations, and the U.S. Navy designated of operations (FBO) in 1928. The FBO sold fuel, provided Cutter Flying Service as a Naval Air Training School, part maintenance, and off ered charter services to and from of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). outlying ranches in rugged New Mexico and Arizona. Sid joined the Air Force in 1955 at age 21. As a 2nd It later became a long-time Beechcraft dealer. Cutter Lieutenant, he logged fl ying hours in diff erent locations Aviation is now America’s oldest continually family- around the world, in single owned and operated FBO network. engine Republic F-84F jets It’s not surprising that Sid learned to fl y airplanes and 4-engine McDonald PHO sitting on his father’s lap, had his fi rst offi cial lessons at Douglas C-133 cargo aircraft. O: DICKT 9, and fl ew solo at 16, the youngest age a soon-to-be pilot In 1960, leaving the service as was allowed to fl y alone, before earning his license. He a 1st Lieutenant, he rejoined KENT secured his commercial license at 18. his family’s aviation business. From 1941 to 1945, with the onset of World War II, Fast-forward to June of much of General Aviation came to a halt. In order to 1971. Sid and his brother Bill stay in business, Cutter Flying Service became a pilot wanted to celebrate their training provider for the United States military at its mom, Virginia’s, 63rd birthday mom, Virginia’s, 63rd birthday in a big way, and while they were at it to promote Cutter Flying Service’s 43 years in Above: A young Sid Cutter outside Cutter Flying Service. business. They decided to throw a party in the company Right: At the famous party, Virginia Cutter with her boys: hangar at the Albuquerque International Sunport. The Bill on the right and … is that Sid on the left? theme was World War I aviation, with Sid playing the role ® 38 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta