1927 and 1929 Travel Air 4000 Two of only a handful of the lovely old birds that still fly regularly. Travel Air Manufacturing Company built half the new aircraft manufactured in the U.S. (over 1200) between 1924 and 1930. Approximately 200 are still licensed with the FAA, but at least half are "basket cases" or museum pieces that never fly. Most of the others are lovingly flown only on special occasions.