The company was started by Henry Smolinski and Harold Blake, both graduates of Northrop Institute of Technology's aeronautical engineering school.

The passenger space and front engine of the Skymaster were removed, leaving an airframe ready to attach to a small car.

One prototype was slated for static display at a Van Nuys Ford dealership, owned by AVE partner Bert Boeckmann.

Although some reports say the Pinto separated from the airframe, air traffic controller Reed Weske, who was watching through binoculars, said the aircraft disintegrated after taking off and making a right turn.

[6][7] Even though the Pinto was a light car, the total aircraft without passengers or fuel was already slightly over the certified gross weight of a Skymaster.

[8][9] Data from Special Use Vehicles: An Illustrated History of Unconventional Cars and Trucks Worldwide and Peterson's Complete Ford BookGeneral characteristics Performance