Aberdeen Flying, Inc.

Aberdeen Flying Service (AFS) was originally established in 1946 by the late James L. Caven. This third-generation company is proudly managed by Mark A. Caven and his son Charles P. Caven and his wife Janna L. Caven.

AFS believes “what’s in a name” truly matters; Service. The Cavens and the entire AFS team work each day to make local customers, visiting aircraft and everyone in-between feel welcome and a part of the family.

AFS is a part 135 charter operator with aircraft and pilots standing by in Aberdeen, SD and Bismarck, ND.

In 2018, AFS reinvested their permanent footprint in the community with the construction of an 18,750 sq. ft. corporate hangar. The hangar is 125-feet by 150-feet and houses corporate jets, transient aircraft, as well as multiple Medevac helicopters. The hangar door opening measures 23’ 6” in height and 100” in width and is a constructed of 6 bottom sliding, top-guided portions.

Second-generation owner, Mark Caven, a St. John’s University alum, has worked at AFS for almost 50 years. “We are dedicated to our community and we take the trust our customers place in us to get them to their destinations both safely and efficiently, very seriously. I believe our level of service is unmatched and is the exact reason why aircraft owners, passengers, transient travelers, and customers continue to do business with us.”

Third-generation owner, Charles Caven, also a St. John’s alum, holds his ATP certificate and as Director of Operations speaks to safety and efficiency; “Our flight crews are professionally trained and required to pass FAR 135 check rides every 6 months to ensure the highest levels of safety to our passengers. Our number one goal is to provide a convenient, comfortable, and most importantly safe means of transportation for you to anywhere in the contiguous United States and Canada.”

AFS is the only FBO on the field who offers a deicing service Type 1 and Type 4. They also own two rental vehicle franchises to allow for passenger rentals as well as courtesy and crew cars.

AFS offers on-demand charter, as well as on-demand refueling and hangar and ground services. One of our owners will answer the phone when you call. We have been in the FBO business for over 73 years and we plan to be here for another 73 years!