Biography

The Life of “Major” Reuben H. Fleet

The story of Reuben Hollis Fleet — known throughout his life simply as “The Major” — is the story of American aviation itself. His life traced every stage of flight’s evolution: from tethered balloons to the first airmail, from fragile early biplanes to the mighty B-24 Liberator that helped win World War II.

This biography section follows Fleet through five defining eras of his life, showing how a determined young man from Washington State became one of the most influential figures in 20th-century aviation.

But before exploring these chapters, remember the values that shaped him — the principles that guided his leadership, his engineering decisions, and the factories where tens of thousands labored under his motto:

“Nothing Short of Right Is Right.”

Origins of an Aviator (1887–1916)

Childhood • Ballooning • First Army Aviation Service

Fleet’s early years introduced the forces that would shape his life: curiosity, discipline, and a fascination with the sky. From his first experiences with Army balloon units to his initial work in aviation training, this era forged the foundations of the man who would soon become one of America’s most important aviation leaders.
Go to: Early Life & First Flights

The World War I Years (1917–1919)

Pilot Training Commander • Safety Reforms • Engineering Improvements

During WWI, Fleet became Executive Officer in charge of all U.S. Army pilot training, overseeing every flight school in the nation. Here he introduced the safety innovations, training discipline, and engineering improvements — including vital refinements to the DH-4 “Liberty Plane” — that later influenced his work as a manufacturer.
Go to: WWI Flight Training Commander

Testing, Tragedy & New Frontiers (1919–1930)

McCook Field • Catastrophic Crash • First Airmail • Founding NYRBA

After the war, Fleet entered an era of daring experimentation. As a test pilot at McCook Field, he pushed aircraft to their limits and narrowly escaped death. His severe crash — which transformed the course of his life — led to his later marriage and family legacy.
This period includes his role in launching America’s first airmail service, and founding NYRBA, the early airline whose innovations helped set the stage for modern commercial flight.
Go to: McCook Field Test Pilot Years

Building an Aviation Empire (1923–1945)

Consolidated Aircraft • San Diego Expansion • Flying Boats • B-24 Liberator

In 1923, Fleet bought the Wright Brothers’ old company, merged it with Gallaudet Aircraft, and created Consolidated Aircraft — the company that would soon become the largest aircraft manufacturer in the United States.
This chapter covers:

the move to San Diego
groundbreaking flying boats
Navy partnerships
the creation of the PBY Catalina
and the design & mass-production of the B-24 Liberator

These were the years in which The Major built an empire.
Go to: Founding Consolidated Aircraft

Legacy & Influence (Post-WWII)

Convair • Science Center • Family Legacy • Enduring Contributions

Fleet’s later years were marked by new frontiers in aviation and aerospace — from jets to missiles to the early space age. Consolidated’s merger into Convair expanded his legacy even further.
His name lives on at the Fleet Science Center, in the engineering principles he championed, and through the accomplishments of his descendants who continue to share his story.
Go to: Later Years & Legacy

Begin Your Journey

To truly understand Reuben H. Fleet, explore his life era by era:

Origins of an Aviator — where his story begins
The World War I Years — where he becomes a national leader
Testing, Tragedy & New Frontiers — where he is shaped by risk and loss
Building an Aviation Empire — where he transforms the world
Legacy & Influence — where his impact endures

And above all, remember the principles that guided him:
Integrity. Excellence. Vision. The values of The Major.