09/28/2026
✈️ A Story From the Early Days of Federal Express
Today, I had the opportunity to hear the story of Mr. Gary Shroyer, who, according to his own account, was part of the team that worked on the very first Dassault Falcon 20s for Frederick W. Smith’s startup shipping company — what would become Federal Express.
Among the work he was involved in was the cargo conversion of the Falcon 20 aircraft, helping transform these business jets into the early freighters that would launch a new era in express air transportation.
One of those aircraft holds a very special place in Federal Express history. The first Federal Express Falcon 20, “Wendy,” registration N8FE, has been preserved and is now part of the collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Hearing stories directly from someone who was there during those early days is a reminder that behind every legendary aircraft and company are the people who helped make history happen.
📦✈️ From a handful of Falcon 20s to one of the world’s largest express transportation networks — this is where the story began.
Gary Shroyer
