The North Island era: Birth of naval aviation

Training the first military pilots

In order to interest the military in airplanes, Curtiss had offered to train Army and Navy pilots at no charge. The Army sent three people, Lt. George E. M. Kelly, Lt. John C. Walker, Jr. and Lt. Paul M. Beck. The Navy sent one man, Lt. Theodore Gordon Ellyson.

Curtiss planes at the time accommodated only one person. Two place training aircraft came later in the year. With the single place aircraft, training consisted of considerable taxi practice up and down a runway cleared in the brush covering North Island. At first, Curtiss blocked the throttle so there was not sufficient power to leave the ground. After considerable practice, Curtiss allowed more engine power. In his writings, Lt. Ellyson recalls the wonderful thrill when the wind was such that he could first leave the ground for a few feet.

One of Curtiss' military student pilots (possibly Lt. T.G. Ellyson, the first naval aviator), gets a few feet off the ground during his training. A larger picture is available (38k).

With still more power, the student would be able to fly the length of the cleared area, almost a mile. Only after considerable practice would he be permitted to attempt wide turns. This cautious system of instruction resulted in no student accidents.

Curtiss also trained civilian pilots at North Island, including Hugh Robinson, Charles Witmer and a civilian whose last name was St. John.

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