8 June 1911: The Aero Club of America, as representative of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, issued Aviator Certificate Number 1 to Glenn Hammond Curtiss. The document was signed by Allan A. Ryan, president of the club, and G. F. Campbell-Wood, secretary.
© 2021, Bryan R. Swopes
My grand uncle Frank BARRA flyed in 1912-1913 on “hydro-aéroplane” named TRIAD, constructed by Louis PAULHAN, wich had CURTISS motor.
It was a great season for this french company.
What about the Wright Brothers? Didn’t they qualify?
I do know that when the U.S government began issuing pilot licenses the first one was offered to Orville Wright. He declined, as he no longer flew. (Wilbur had died years before.) As to why either of them were not issued the first Aero Club of America certificate, I don’t know.