Early Birds of Aviation facts for kids

Flying was very dangerous in the early days. This picture shows 39 pilots who died between 1908 and 1912.

Here are 38 more brave pilots who lost their lives in the early years of flight.

In 1936, members of the Early Birds signed this document to honor fellow pilot Earl Ovington.

The Early Birds of Aviation was a very exclusive club created for the world's first pilots. Started in 1928, this organization honored the brave men and women who flew in the earliest days of flying. In total, 598 of these aviation pioneers became members.

What Was the Early Birds of Aviation Club?

The Early Birds of Aviation was an organization that celebrated the first people to ever fly. These weren't just any pilots. They were the trailblazers who flew when airplanes, gliders, and gas balloons were brand new and risky inventions. The club was a way to remember their amazing achievements.

How Did a Pilot Join the Club?

To become a member, a pilot had to prove they had flown a glider, a gas balloon, or an airplane all by themselves before December 17, 1916. This time period is known as the pioneer era of aviation.

Why Was December 17, 1916 the Cutoff Date?

The date December 17 was chosen to honor the very first flight by the famous Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903.

The year 1916 was chosen because after that, World War I began, and a huge number of people were quickly trained to be pilots for the war. The club wanted to keep its membership limited to the true pioneers who flew before flying became more common. Among these early pilots were twelve women who broke barriers in aviation.

The End of an Era and a New Beginning

The original Early Birds of Aviation club had a special rule: it would end when its last member passed away. This happened on May 19, 1998, with the death of 99-year-old member George D. Grundy Jr..

However, the story didn't end there. A new organization was started with the same name. Today, this new group works to preserve the history of these amazing pilots. They collect and share the life stories of everyone who met the original 1916 deadline, making sure their bravery is never forgotten.

See also

In Spanish: Pioneros de la aviación para niños

• Aero Club of America
• List of fatalities from aviation accidents
• List of pilots awarded an Aviator's Certificate by the Aéro-Club de France in 1909
• List of pilots awarded an Aviator's Certificate by the Aéro-Club de France in 1910