On May 15, 1918 – 1st regular airmail service between New York & Washington, DC was inaugurated. Major Reuben H. Fleet welcomed his new responsibility as officer-in-charge of inaugurating the first U.S. airmail service. Fleet ordered six JN-4Hs, single-engine biplanes, powered by 150-hp Hispano-Suiza engines from the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Corporation. To accommodate mail bags, he directed the company to leave out the front seat and front controls and replace them with a hopper to carry mail. Visit the museum and see our Consolidated and Fleet displays.
