Wisconsin Aviation History

They keep going and going

Members of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 60 Beloit/Janesville bring to mind the Energizer Bunny. They keep going and going and going. Yesterday, ten of them met at the Beloit Historical Society’s Lincoln Center to install a one-quarter scale model of the Warner-Curtiss aircraft. This effort is the culmination of more than 12 months of work and dedication to Wisconsin’s Centennial of Flight. A more accurate reference to these gentlemen is – they keep doing and doing and doing.

Gene Caulkins makes a final adjustment

Arthur Pratt Warner was already a successful engineer and businessman from Beloit, Wisconsin, when he attended the Auto Club of America’s 1906 event in New York. An aviation exhibit turned curiosity into passion. Warner became the first individual to buy an airplane and the sixth person to fly in this country in 1909. The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) sponsored the Wisconsin Centennial of Flight celebration. The celebration’s centerpiece was the quarter-scale model of Warner’s airplane constructed for WAHF by EAA Chapter 60.

The centennial culminated in Beloit on November 4, 2009. The day’s events concluded with the model being placed into long-term loan with the Beloit Historical Society. The exhibit has been under construction since that time. WAHF representatives Tom Thomas and Wynne Williams were on hand to lend moral support to Chapter 60 members. A news crew from Janesville radio station WCLO (1230 AM) were also on hand and filed this report.

1909 Warner-Curtiss aeroplane

Review earlier blog posts to learn about the Warner-Curtiss model, the craftsmen who built it, some of the locations the centennial exhibit visited, and the concluding ceremony at Beloit’s Morgan Elementary School. Visit EAA Chapter 60’s website for their story on building the Warner-Curtiss model. Thanks guys! Your skills, dedication, and generosity know no bounds – you just keep on doing and doing.

Happy Birthday Billy

William L. “Billy” Mitchell was born 130 years ago today in Nice, France.  Mitchell was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) in 1986.

Mitchell began his military career as a private in the First Wisconsin Infantry. He soon became an officer and later transferred to the US Army’s Signal Corps. Billy learned to fly in 1916 at the Atlantic Coast Aeronautical Station in New Port News, VA. WAHF inductee Walter Lees provided Mitchell, now a major, some of his flight instruction and later soloed Mitchell. That first flight did not end well for the new pilot; the aircraft came to rest inverted at the end of the landing roll.

Colonel Billy Mitchell, DH4B

Assigned as an aviation observer, Mitchell arrived in Europe during April 1917. He became the first American officer to fly over the French battlefields. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in June 1917 and served in the AEF.

Promoted to colonel in May 1918, he assumed command of the Air Service, First Army Corps. This position gave him opportunity to fly, command, and learn air combat firsthand. Major General Mason Patrick, Air Service Commander, described Mitchell as “aggressive, courageous, and fearless.”

Colonel Billy Mitchell would lead the 1500-aircraft bombing raid against the Saint-Mihiel salient in September 1918. Promoted to brigadier general, Mitchell took command of all allied air forces in time for the Meuse-Argonne offensive in October.

While serving in Europe, Mitchell discussed the future of airpower with Hugh Trenchard of England and Italy’s Giulio Douhet. These discussions would serve as the foundation of Mitchell’s plan for a separate US air force. This air force would, in Mitchell’s vision, win the next war, single-handedly.

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Mitchell’s downfall was not his message but in his method. Today, Billy Mitchell is considered the father of modern airpower.

We suggest the following for further research:

http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/mitchell/front.pdf

A Question of Loyalty by Douglas Waller

Celebrating a Century of Flight in Wisconsin

While firsts happen every day, becoming the first to fly an airplane in a state, while making your first solo on that same flight, is noteworthy. Being the first person to buy an airplane and the 11th person to fly in this country makes the story even more remarkable.  All that happened on November 4, 1909 in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Those aviation firsts are just some of the many firsts that Arthur Pratt Warner  experienced during his long and storied life. Those firsts, the man, and the 100-years of Wisconsin aviation history since are what the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) will be celebrating in Beloit during the next few days.

Warner-Curtiss model and Centennial of Flight display

Commemoration of Warner’s flight begins at 9:00 AM at the Morgan Elementary School, 1811 Lee Lane (adjacent to Highway 81), on Beloit’s east side. The school sits on the original Morgan farm, site of Warner’s first flights. Weather allowing, festivities include a reenactment of Warner’s flight and a flyover by Wisconsin Air National Guard aircraft. A one-quarter scale replica of Warner’s aircraft and a Centennial of Flight display will be available for public viewing in the school’s gymnasium until 1:00 PM.

Wednesday festivities continue at the Beloit Historical Society’s Lincoln Center, 845 Hackett Street, at 5:00 PM. Wisconsin historian and WAHF board member Michael Goc will present “AP Warner, an Appreciation.” WAHF will then present the Warner-Curtiss model, on long-term loan, to the Beloit Historical Society. Recognition of EAA Chapter 60 Beloit-Janesville, builders of the model, will follow. Refreshments available following the presentations.

Smithsonian Senior Curator, Dr. Tom Crouch, will present “Aviation in 1909 and Wisconsin’s AP Warner” on Saturday, November 7. The presentation will take place in Eaton Chapel on the Beloit College campus beginning at 3:00 PM. A reception will follow the presentation.

There is no charge for these events and the public is encouraged to participate.

WAHF Induction ceremony update

A recently announced addition to the agenda of the 24th annual induction ceremony of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) makes the event a “must do”. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) AirVenture museum located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 

Yesterday, WAHF announced that Jeff Skiles, Wisconsin native and US Airways co-pilot, will receive the Wisconsin Airport Management Association’s Person of the Year Award during the ceremony. You may recall that Skiles and Captain Chesley Sullenberger successfully ditched their Airbus 320 in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009.  Read the WAHF press release for the full story.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony. The invitation can be printed, completed, and mailed to the enclosed address to secure your seat. But hurry; reservations accepted until October 10.

2008 WAHF Induction Ceremony

What’s in a name?

Last week the Waukesha Freeman editorial staff suggested renaming the Waukesha County Airport as a way to honor Waukesha native Les Paul. The August 26 article states: “Crites Field could be renamed Les Paul International Airport. Rock stars might fly in here just to land their private jets at a really cool airport.” Folks involved in Wisconsin aviation already consider Waukesha airport as “really cool” and that its name – Crites Field – is most appropriate. The idea does lead one to ponder Wisconsin’s airports and their names.

Today there are 133 public-use airports in Wisconsin – 97 are publically owned and 36 are privately owned. There are another 437 privately owned facilities that are restricted use. You can search the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Master Record database.

Names of the publically owned facilities typically reflect their owners or location. Wisconsin has 35 airports with municipal in their name, 16 that have county in their name, and 19 with a general location name. Regional is in the name of 10 Wisconsin airports. The 17 remaining airports have names of historic interest.

Alexander Field South Wood County Airport is better known as Wisconsin Rapids. John Alexander donated land for the airport and is remembered for the gift. Lawrence J. Timmerman was Chairman of the Milwaukee County Board for 33 years. Upon his death in 1959, the Curtiss-Wright Airport was renamed in his honor. The Brown County Airport is named for Austin Straubel, the first military aviator from Green Bay to lose his life in World War II. Middleton Municipal is also known as Morey Field after Howard Morey, the airport’s founder. Richard I. Bong Field in Superior is named for “Ace of Aces” Dick Bong. Hillsboro’s airport is named after Joshua Sanford, a Native American who flew in Chennault’s 14^th Air Force. General Mitchell International Airport is named after Milwaukeean General Billy Mitchell. The Lakeland-area airport is also known as Noble F Lee Memorial. Lee was a pilot, flight instructor, and longtime airport manager.

It is the private airports where we find some interesting, creative names. Wisconsin is known for its beer so we shouldn’t be surprised to find Beer Airport in St. Croix County. Too many beers and it is said you have gone on a Bender – an airport in Marathon County.

Aircraft related names abound – Funk Aerodrome (Kewaunee), J-3 Cub Field (Jefferson), Plows and Props (Walworth), Rag Wing (Langlade), Wag-Aero (Walworth), Weedhopper Meadow (Walworth), and finally, Broken Prop (Waushara), hopefully not named for some pilot’s misfortune.

Wisconsin’s natural resources are reflected in a number of airport names – Bark River (Waukesha), Battle Creek (Waukesha), Eagle Ridge (Dunn), Blair Lake (Iron), Bogus Creek (Pepin), Black Otter (Outagamie), and Lake Ell (Portage).

While Able doesn’t have an airport in Wisconsin, Cain’s Field is (Oconto). Don’t land poorly at Heckler’s Strip (Dane) – you’ll probably hear about it. Larson Airport (Winnebago) is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Finally, my favorites – Bucky’s (Waushara), Dinnerbell (Fond du Lac), Kitty Wompus (Sawyer), Mount Fuji (Walworth), Polish Paradise (Adams), Uff-da (Dane), Will-be-gon (Washburn), Whoopy Hollow (Lafayette), and With-Wings-and-a-Halo (Winnebago).

 There is much in an airport’s name – history, pride, creativity, and some humor. The Waukesha County Airport is named after two brothers – Dean and Dale Crites, who made an enormous impact on Wisconsin aviation. Changing the name to salute Les Paul, or anyone else, would be a mistake.

Forward in Flight – WAHF membership benefit

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) will turn 25 in a few months. A quarter century - how time flies! WAHF is an active, membership-based organization with a primary focus on Wisconsin aviation history. The organization’s mission statement says it all:

Collect and preserve the history of aviation in Wisconsin,
recognize those who made that history,
inform others of it,
and promote aviation education for future generations.

Forward in Flight cover, Fall 2009

In addition to other benefits, WAHF members receive the quarterly magazine, Forward in Flight. The magazine is full of stories about Wisconsin’s aviation past as well as current events. Today’s happenings after all, will be history tomorrow. The magazine typically runs 32 pages.

The upcoming issue of Forward in Flight contains stories on the Air Force Academy (yes, it was almost located in Wisconsin) and flying a DC-3 to AirVenture. It provides a report on Wisconsin’s Centennial of Flight and shares details of the organization’s upcoming induction ceremony.

You should join WAHF today for at least four reasons:

1. Start receiving Forward in Flight with the Fall 2009 issue
2. Become eligible for prizes, part of the membership appreciation program
3. Your annual membership will be good for 16 months – through the end of 2010
4. You’ll be supporting WAHF, its goals, and its mission

You can become a member/supporter of the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame by completing the application form and mailing it along with your $20 check to the address provided. Membership in WAHF also makes a great gift. 

The Air Camper is 80!

Bernard Pietenpol would, according to those who knew him, think that a celebration like this is much to do about nothing. Pietenpol was a quiet, unpretentious man. Bernard was a handyman, not so uncommon in his day, who designed, built, and flew several airplanes. One design, the Pietenpol Air Camper, has withstood the test of time. In fact, one might say that it has excelled as time has passed.

2009 Pietenpol Reunion Brodhead Wisconsin

The 34th Annual Pietenpol Reunion, hosted by EAA Chapter 431 of Brodhead, Wisconsin, is just the first part of a 10-day celebration of the design’s 80th year. This year’s reunion, like its predecessors, consists of aviation minded folks gathering to talk, fly, eat, and learn. Pietenpol is the common thread. Reverence for the man is evident everywhere.

The reunion began on Thursday, July 23 and continues through tomorrow, July 26. Air Campers from across the country have been making their way to Brodhead, some delayed by weather, none losing sight of their destination.

Today, there were 17 Air Campers on the rustic Brodhead Airport (C37). While more were expected, many other aircraft types, along with RVs, travel trailers, and tents, were also in attendance. Today’s schedule was a full one. Pietenpol rides were given throughout the day as were rides in other antique and classic aircraft. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were available through the EAA chapter. A total of seven forums were conducted. Others hawked their wares – aircraft parts, books, DVDs, and T-shirts all had a Pietenpol connection.

Pietenpol Air Camper

The Brodhead Pietenpol Association was there – registering participants, signing up new members, coordinating the forums and conducting the prize giveaway. A big thank you to Dee and Doc Mosher who quietly make things happen. The organization has grown to more than 750 members worldwide, due in no small part to the BPA newsletter and the Moshers.

The celebration will continue during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. A mass arrival, consisting of about 15 Air Campers, will occur around 0900 on Sunday. The aircraft will park in a group in the Homebuilders area, due east of the federal pavillion. A Pietenpol forum will take place on Tuesday, July 28. A showcase flight will include 5 examples of Air Campers, each with a different type of engine. In addition, the BPA will have an exhibit in the Type Club Building.

William Wynne, a forum presenter today, said about builders of the Pietenpol, “you have arrived at the correct destination.” Bernard Pietenpol arrived far ahead of us. He looked to design an easy to build, easy to fly, and affordable airplane. After 80 years, the Air Camper is still the correct destination.

UAV makes Wisconsin aviation history

The controller said, “Omaha zero-eight, you are cleared to land runway one eight.” At 0946 local, a Predator B aircraft landed at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH). The landing is historic in that the Predator B aircraft is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and UAV’s have never operated from a general aviation airport. The aircraft departed from Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota at 0704 and flew direct to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The landing was controlled by a pilot operating from a mobile ground control station (GCS) located on Wittman Airport.

Predator B shuts down upon arrival at OSH

The Predator B resembles several modern day aircraft with its mid-wing, tricycle gear, and V-tail. The aircraft is powered by a Honeywell TPE-331-10T turboprop engine driving a McCauley pusher propeller. Output of this version of the popular engine is 940 shaft horsepower at takeoff.

Basic aircraft specifications hint at its capabilities. The aircraft is 36.2 feet in length, stands at a maximum height of 11.8 feet, and has a wingspan of 66 feet. The aircraft has an empty weight of  about 4,900 pounds, a maximum takeoff weight of 10,500 pounds, and a maximum fuel load of 3,775 pounds. The aircraft can operate at altitudes above 45,000 feet, cruises at 220 knots, and has an endurance of nearly 30 hours.

WAHF members Jim Martin and Bob Kunkel inspect the Predator

The Predator B is manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. This airframe is one of 5 operated by US Customs and Border Protection (CPB). The CPB first began using the Predator B in October, 2005. The agency operates 3 aircraft from Libby Army Airfield in Sierra Vista, Arizona and 2 from Grand Forks.

The Predator B and mobile GCS will be joined by other CPB aircraft displayed during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. Look for it near the federal pavilion.

They came, they saw, they ate

Take today for example.  The weather was perfect for flying and the fact that many working folks had the day off for the July 4th holiday set the stage for record attendance. Sixty-six airplanes and one helicopter arrived over a 90-minute span. These 67 aircraft set a record for Friday arrivals, but only by a few. Many others – myself and wife, Rose, included – arrived by ground vehicle.

Some of the planes at today's lunch

Pilots who arrive early become judges after landing and parking. Listen closely; you can overhear them as they comment on the style and technique of each landing. Olympic judges might be easier to please! Others walk from one airplane to the next, lingering at those that hold a special attraction.

The aircraft mix was diverse - a large collection of Cessna 150s and 172s, a gaggle of Piper Cherokees, and a Mooney. The homebuilts, also large in number, included two Sonex models, several Kitfox, and at least three RVs. Antique and classic aircraft were represented by an early model Cessna 170, a couple of Stinson Station Wagons, a trio of Ercoupes, and a real pretty Piper Pacer among many others.

Bill Kinsman, President, Central County Airport Association

Lunch is served promptly at 12:00 - or when the food is ready. About 200 sat down to lunch today. You must be a member of the Central County Flyers Association to buy lunch. Memberships are available at the door. Price for lunch is a very reasonable $6.99. Bill does all the cooking and collects the money as diners move through the line. Six volunteers, the unsung heroes, assist Bill by handling all the other details that must be attended to during meal service.

There are 715 members in the association as of today. They come from all over the US, from Montana to Florida, from California to New York. Bill is as surprised at the growth of his effort as anyone. He admits, “I could never have planned anything like this.” Rose and I saw lots of familiar faces, said hi to many, and spent some quality time with a few. It is this fellowship that satisfies Bill the most.

Jet fly-bys are a rare treat and we experienced one today. A Canadair Challenger made a low pass that brought oohs and aahs from the crowd. You would have thought we were at a fireworks show. I guess we were – a show for aviators.

Warner speaks again

Arthur Pratt (A.P.) Warner was the first individual to purchase  an aircraft in the United States, the first to fly in Wisconsin, and the 11th to fly an aircraft in this country. He was a successful businessman and engineer; he was a loving husband and father. He lived in a simpler time, a time when things moved at a slower pace. He provides us, in his self-published autobiography, Making Things, reflections of that simpler time.

About the legal system
“The patent system is all wrong. Patent judges should be engineers as well as lawyers. There are

AP Warner ca 1950

often points involved in a patent that a lawyer who is not an engineer cannot understand.”

Marketing
“The more I learned about advertising, the more valuable I thought it was, but I did not think it should be confined to magazine advertising alone.”

Read more of the A.P. Warner story. Join us as we celebrate Wisconsin’s Centennial of Flight recognizing Wisconsin’s first pilot – A.P. Warner.