Jack McGee (aviator) facts for kids
Jack McGee (born in 1885 – died June 13, 1918) was an early pilot. He was one of the first people to fly airplanes. He learned to fly and worked as a test pilot for an aircraft company.
Jack McGee's Life
Jack McGee was born in 1885 in Central Falls, Rhode Island. His family moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, when he was 15 years old. Before becoming a pilot, he worked in different jobs. He was a boxer, an elevator operator, and an auto mechanic. He also worked as a driver for a man named James C. McCoy.
Learning to Fly
Jack was very interested in flying. He took flying lessons from Harry Atwood and Arch Freeman. Their flying school was at Atwood Park in Saugus, Massachusetts. The school closed before Jack finished his training. But Jack felt he had learned enough. He decided to buy his own airplane. He made his first solo flight in August 1912. This was a big step for him!
Working as a Pilot
In 1917, Jack McGee started a new job. He became a test pilot for the Gallaudet Aircraft Corporation. A test pilot flies new planes to make sure they work correctly and are safe.
His Final Flight
On June 13, 1918, Jack was flying a special plane called a floatplane. This type of plane can land on water. He was flying low over Greenwich Bay. Sadly, one of the plane's floats touched the water. This caused the plane to flip over. Jack McGee drowned in the water.
Jack McGee's Papers
His personal papers and records are kept at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
