Aircraft
from Hollywood Burbank Airport
to TWA, American Airlines,
Mojave and beyond.
Potter
Charlie Potter started his career in aviation with Texaco, selling aircraft fuel. In 1951 he incorporated his own company, Potter Aircraft Service.
His shop serviced iconic planes such as the Lockheed Super Constellation and the DC-3.
Here Charlie Potter is seen in his hangar being interviewed for television. Potter Aircraft Service became part of a family story that would continue through four sons and several aviation careers.
Among the aircraft serviced by the Potter shop was the Lockheed Super Constellation, one of the most recognizable airliners of its era.
The shop also serviced the DC-3, another aviation classic and one of the defining aircraft of commercial aviation history.
Four aviation careers.
Charlie Potter fathered four boys: Chuck, Jim, Michael and Mark, who would all work for the family business and then went on to successful aviation careers of their own.
Jim Potter was a Commander in the U.S. Navy. Chuck Potter worked in management for McDonnell Douglas. Michael Potter was a Captain for TWA and later ran his own aviation consulting company. Mark Potter was a Captain for American Airlines and after retirement, flew corporate jets, retiring in 2026.
and P&M Aircraft
Michael Potter flew with TWA for 20 years and after retirement was commissioned to fly 20 Convairs into the Mojave Civilian Flight Test Center for long-term storage — thus beginning his consulting company, P&M Aircraft, in 1984.
P&M prepped aircraft for storage, dismantled jets for parts and recycling, and was contracted by government agencies for training purposes.
Entertainment companies came to Mojave and used P&M for consultation, movie props and filming locations. Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood and Dr. Dre utilized Michael’s knowledge.
The Academy Award-winning film Speed used P&M to provide a cargo jet for its ending explosion scene, and Fox’s Emmy-winning show 24 filmed at several locations on the P&M lot.
Mike Potter passed away in 2010 and is survived by his two children, Susie Couture and Christopher Potter.
Christopher worked for his father’s company and is currently flight training and logging hours in the Piper Twin Cherokee.
to American Airlines
Mark Potter, Michael’s younger brother, served in the Air National Guard and worked as an aircraft mechanic for four years.
After the Guard and with a multi-engine rating, Mark’s first commercial flight was to co-pilot a Lockheed Constellation. He would go on to fly for Air Cal, flying the Boeing 737, and became a Captain at age 36.
Later he would finish his commercial career as a Check Pilot with American Airlines, regularly flying the Boeing 757 and 767.
Up until 2026, as a corporate pilot, Mark commanded many modern jets and was trusted to fly VIPs all over the world (including the Miami Dolphins).
In 2017, Mark became the recipient of the FAA-issued Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing pilots who have practiced safe flight operations continuously for 50 years. "Captain Speed" as he is affectionally known retired in 2026.
