AERONAUTICS: Pilot Smith

Fort Wayne, Ind., remembers a short, wiry, 16-year-old boy whose parents, in 1910, mortgaged their home for $1,800 that he might fly. He purchased materials, a motor, built a plane, showed his mother how to sew canvas on his wings. His first flight wiped out six months' work all but the motor. He built again, flew at exhibitions, paid off the mortgage. He learned to loop the loop before most U. S. flyers. Soon fleecy streamers of smoke were seen high over cities, spelling out trademarks for...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!