The Last Martin 4-0-4
N636X
See Jeff’s latest project!
The Executive Class
Martin 404
Short film by Eric Ristau- One Acre Films
The Whitesell Family Legacy and N636X
Captain William C. Whitesell had flown Martins for Eastern Air Lines until his retirement in 1960. In 1970 Professional Air Transport, his Philadelphia-based charter company needed a larger aircraft. His natural choice was the Martin 404. He found N636X at Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas and purchased it. He trained his two sons, Jeff and Bruce, to airline pilot standards to crew the aircraft. Together they conducted luxury charters to the Caribbean, South and Central America. The aircraft carried such notables as Muhammad Ali, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, Frank Gifford, Howard Keel, and Bob Cummings. The economic downturn of the early seventies saw the closure of P.A.T, and the sale of N636X. The trio of flying Whitesells secured new positions in air cargo. Both sons found careers with the major airlines. The senior Captain Whitesell retired.
In 1993 Jeff Whitesell founded Airliners of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and flying display of classic airliners. He began a search for a suitable flagship, not knowing his quest would land him in Pueblo, Colorado where N636X sat in dilapidated condition. He bought the aircraft in June 1994, and ferried it to Seattle, Washington. After a three year restoration, the aircraft was finished in Pacific Air Lines livery and toured the Western States as a traveling museum of airline history. Hollywood made good use of her classic lines, and N636 starred in four motion pictures.
Photo: Graham Robson
The tragedies of September 11, 2001 had a significant effect on the cost of operation of vintage aircraft. Insurance and fuel costs continued to escalate after the attacks. Airliners of America ceased operations of the aircraft, and N636X was put in storage in Camarillo, California in October 2002. In 2008 Jeff flew N636X to what he thought would be its final home the Planes of Fame facility in Valle Arizona- almost 15 years later in late 2021 he decided to create the 404 Foundation (501c3) and restore it as the very last flying Martin 404!
The restoration is now well underway with both engines removed and sent off for overhaul! We will be flying this incredible piece of aviation history into Oshkosh for EAA Airventure 2027! The good news is we have 20 months to get it ready; the bad news is we ONLY have 20 months to get it ready! We have a great small team of dedicated volunteers and are always welcoming more. You can also be a vital part of this adventure by donating to the cause; it takes volunteers and financial support to keep ‘em flying! Any donors will be greatly appreciated and issued a tax refundable receipt. You can send a check to:
404 Foundation Inc.
148 San Miguel Dr.
Camarillo Ca 9301O-1155
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