Prairie Flying Service Legacy Fund
Founded in 1946, Prairie Flying Service was a pioneer for general aviation in Saskatchewan and continues to serve the general aviation community across Canada. Established as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations, the Prairie Flying Service Legacy Fund serves to preserve Canadian aviation history and support the next generation of aviators.
Prairie Flying Service was founded in 1946 by four Royal Canadian Air Force veterans: Bob MacKnight, Paddy Watson, Art Davis, and John Howe. After returning home from World War II, they wanted to apply the wartime innovations in aviation to support Saskatchewan.
In its early years, the company faced financial struggles, including the loss of its first aircraft, but recovered through persistence and community support. By 1947, Prairie Flying Service was operating a small commercial air service offering recreational flights, aerial advertising (banner towing and smoke writing), and aerial photography.
A major breakthrough came in 1948 when Prairie developed Canada’s first licensed aerial spray system, nicknamed the “Flying Water Can.” This innovation helped pioneer aerial crop spraying in Saskatchewan and became a key part of the business. Despite some early mishaps, the spraying operation proved successful and expanded rapidly – particularly with the grasshopper outbreak in 1950.
By 1953, the company had grown enough to acquire an old Air Force hangar, obtain a charter license, and become a Cessna dealership. As the general aviation community grew in Saskatchewan, Prairie Flying Service won an award for selling the most Cessna aircraft. A flight school for pilot training and shop for aircraft maintenance and repairs kept the company busy.
Today, Prairie Flying Service remains a pillar of Saskatchewan’s general aviation community. The company is an Authorized Service Centre for Cessna, Beechcraft, Piper, and Kodiak aircraft and provides maintenance services for commercial operators and private owners across the prairies. Trusted for expert knowledge and reliable service, Prairie distributes aircraft parts from coast to coast to coast.
Prairie Flying Service Legacy Fund
As part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the Prairie Flying Service Legacy Fund was established with the Saskatchewan Community Foundation. The fund will grant to help preserve Canada’s rich aviation history and support the next generation of aviators and aircraft maintenance engineers.
