Beechcraft was initially founded in the early 1930s, but has since become one of the most notable aircraft manufacturers in the general aviation industry. Currently, it is known as one of the “Big Three” of general aviation, along with Cessna and Piper Aircraft. The company was founded by Walter Beech, his wife, Olive Ann Beech, and the legendary aircraft designer, Ted A. Wells, along with C.G. Yankey as its main investor. It officially began its operations in an idle Cessna factory in 1932.