CIA Cargo Service
Air America (AA) was a large private airline that was owned by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). AA flew a large variety of special aircraft into very dangerous situations, carrying food like bags of rice, people (both civilians and "customers i.e. CIA"), medical supplies, ammo, fuel, and animals like oxen, pigs, and chickens.
AA was like a taxi and cargo service on demand for any CIA “customers” or operation.
The CIA had a complicated story when it came to owning airlines in Southeast Asia (SEA). CAT and Continental come to mind.
Some of the aircraft they flew were STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft. They are extremely handy at landing on tiny runways in the jungle and taking back off. Many of these runways were on the side of mountains.
A “Lima Site” is a landing strip in Laos used by Air America and the Ravens.
Other Links
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)