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1911-1912: The Unsung Heroes of the Army Aviation School:
While the military aviators were the ones most often spotlighted by the press, the success of the Army Aviation School was largely dependent on another less conspicuous group of personalities. They were mechanics, medical officers, test pilots and even pioneers... like Glenn Curtiss.
Curtiss was both an aviator and inventor whose unique machines would become a mainstay in military aviation for years to come. Curtiss like the Wrights, often visited the field when introducing one of his new aeros. Curtiss would often send his favorite pilot, Lincoln Beachy to the field to demonstrate his machine. Stories of Beachy's dare devil stunts were never exaggerated!
The Wrights favorite test pilot was the talented Arthur (Al) Welsh, who had originally instructed several of the School's officers in Dayton. Welsh worked with both pilots and enlisted men at the field and was well liked by both. He was the subject of many photographs taken by [a] young enlisted man, Cpl Jesse Ayer, through whose eyes we are able to see scenes of daily life at the Airfield, record breaking achievements and poignant moments of loss. Through it all, it was evident that whether they were well-known inventors and aviators or enlisted mechanics, the part that these varied personalities played in these fledgling years of military aviation made them all pioneers. |