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Our History

Griffith Aviation, Inc., based at the Griffith-Merrillville Airport in Griffith, Indiana, serves as a vital gateway to Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. Founded in 1984 by Paul Goldsmith, the company began with a modest 800 sq. ft. hangar and office space, offering air charter and air ambulance services through the late 1990s. That same year, Griffith Aviation launched its FAA-approved flight school, welcoming its first international students through a partnership with SAS Airlines of Sweden and Norway—a collaboration that continued into the mid-1990s. In 2008, the company expanded its training program to include pilots from various Chinese airlines, a successful endeavor that lasted until 2020. Today, Griffith Aviation remains a trusted provider of flight instruction under both Part 61 and Part 141 programs. As a full-service Fixed Base Operator (FBO), we’re here to support all your aviation needs—whether you’re learning to fly or looking for quality aircraft services.