Detroit's early history in aviation

The Detroit News
William E. Scripps, son of the founder of The Detroit News, was the first man in Michigan to own and fly an airplane. Here, he grabs the controls of a Burgess & Curtiss flying boat in 1910. It was built under Wright patents and was a duplicate of the original Wright brothers' plane.
William E. Scripps, son of the founder of The Detroit News, was the first man in Michigan to own and fly an airplane. Here, he grabs the controls of a Burgess & Curtiss flying boat in 1910. It was built under Wright patents and was a duplicate of the original Wright brothers' plane.
The Detroit News Archives
William E. Scripps, right, gets some flying tips from Walter R. Brookins, the first pilot trained by the Wright brothers for their exhibition team. Scripps would go on to become president of The Detroit News and founder of WWJ radio, and promoted aviation throughout his life.
William E. Scripps, right, gets some flying tips from Walter R. Brookins, the first pilot trained by the Wright brothers for their exhibition team. Scripps would go on to become president of The Detroit News and founder of WWJ radio, and promoted aviation throughout his life.
The Detroit News Archives
Automaker John Dodge is the passenger as The Detroit News President William E. Scripps takes off from the Detroit River in 1912. The following year, Scripps flew his airplane underneath the original Belle Isle Bridge.
Automaker John Dodge is the passenger as The Detroit News President William E. Scripps takes off from the Detroit River in 1912. The following year, Scripps flew his airplane underneath the original Belle Isle Bridge.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit News photographer William A. Kuenzel, right, took the first aerial photos of Detroit in his employer's aiplane, piloted by Walter Brunkin.  The Burgess-Wright Model F hydro-airplane  had a wingspan of 39 feet, six inches. The engine choices in that model ranged from 35 to 50 horsepower and its maximum speed was 43 mph.
Detroit News photographer William A. Kuenzel, right, took the first aerial photos of Detroit in his employer's aiplane, piloted by Walter Brunkin. The Burgess-Wright Model F hydro-airplane had a wingspan of 39 feet, six inches. The engine choices in that model ranged from 35 to 50 horsepower and its maximum speed was 43 mph.
The Detroit News Archives
Blanch Stuart Scott of Rochester, N.Y. was the first woman to pilot an airplane in public in the United States. She flew for the Curtiss Exhibition Team in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Oct. 23, 1910. The next day, she married publicist Harry B. Tuttle in Detroit. Earlier that year, she had first earned fame by driving an Oakland automobile from New York City to San Francisco from May 16 to July 23.
Blanch Stuart Scott of Rochester, N.Y. was the first woman to pilot an airplane in public in the United States. She flew for the Curtiss Exhibition Team in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Oct. 23, 1910. The next day, she married publicist Harry B. Tuttle in Detroit. Earlier that year, she had first earned fame by driving an Oakland automobile from New York City to San Francisco from May 16 to July 23.
The Detroit News Archives
Pilot trainees in the U.S. Army Signal Corps are seen in the gallery at the top of this photo, simulating aerial observers looking down from a plane 6,000 feet high in a World War I training exercise, possibly at Joy Aviation Field near Mt. Clemens, later known as Selfridge Field.
Pilot trainees in the U.S. Army Signal Corps are seen in the gallery at the top of this photo, simulating aerial observers looking down from a plane 6,000 feet high in a World War I training exercise, possibly at Joy Aviation Field near Mt. Clemens, later known as Selfridge Field.
The Detroit News Archives
Eddie Rickenbacker was an American World War I flying ace, credited with shooting down a record 26 Luftwaffe airplanes.  After the war, he went into business with partners, creating Rickenbacker Motor Company in southwest Detroit, which produced high-powered, low slung cars with four-wheel brakes. The company lasted only until 1927.
Eddie Rickenbacker was an American World War I flying ace, credited with shooting down a record 26 Luftwaffe airplanes. After the war, he went into business with partners, creating Rickenbacker Motor Company in southwest Detroit, which produced high-powered, low slung cars with four-wheel brakes. The company lasted only until 1927.
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William B. Stout, seen here in 1920, founded the Stout Metal Airplane Co. in 1922. Ford Motor Co. purchased the company  in 1924, and it became the  Stout Metal Airplane Division. The division
William B. Stout, seen here in 1920, founded the Stout Metal Airplane Co. in 1922. Ford Motor Co. purchased the company in 1924, and it became the Stout Metal Airplane Division. The division
The Detroit News Archives
The Buhl-Verville Aircraft Corp., formed in Detroit in 1925, worked out of the Buhl Stamping Plant before moving to Marysville, Mich.  Designer Alfred Verville created the CA-3 Airster, a  biplane with folding wings to reduce storage space.  Verville had been designing airplanes in Detroit since 1915.
The Buhl-Verville Aircraft Corp., formed in Detroit in 1925, worked out of the Buhl Stamping Plant before moving to Marysville, Mich. Designer Alfred Verville created the CA-3 Airster, a biplane with folding wings to reduce storage space. Verville had been designing airplanes in Detroit since 1915.
The Detroit News Archives
This Ford Tri-Motor plane, nicknamed the Tin Goose, carried the first automobile to be transported as freight. It's seen preparing to take off from Dearborn, headed for Boston in the mid-1920s. The Ford Tri-Motors were used all over the world for either passenger or cargo purposes, including its use by Admiral Byrd in his expedition to fly over the South Pole.
This Ford Tri-Motor plane, nicknamed the Tin Goose, carried the first automobile to be transported as freight. It's seen preparing to take off from Dearborn, headed for Boston in the mid-1920s. The Ford Tri-Motors were used all over the world for either passenger or cargo purposes, including its use by Admiral Byrd in his expedition to fly over the South Pole.
The Detroit News Archives
A Martin bomber is seen on the ground at Selfridge Field in Harrison Township in 1925. It was the first U.S.-designed bomber procured by the U.S. Army in quantity in the World War I era, although it was primarily used as reconnaissance plane rather than a bomber.
A Martin bomber is seen on the ground at Selfridge Field in Harrison Township in 1925. It was the first U.S.-designed bomber procured by the U.S. Army in quantity in the World War I era, although it was primarily used as reconnaissance plane rather than a bomber.
The Detroit News Archives
Ford Motor Co. sponsored a series of Reliability Tours from 1925 to 1931 in which pilots flew 1,900 miles with stops in 10 cities for a chance to win prizes. For the 1926 competition, Jack Lasso, above, competed with his 340-pound Driggs Dart airplane.
Ford Motor Co. sponsored a series of Reliability Tours from 1925 to 1931 in which pilots flew 1,900 miles with stops in 10 cities for a chance to win prizes. For the 1926 competition, Jack Lasso, above, competed with his 340-pound Driggs Dart airplane.
The Detroit News Archives
America's most famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh, was born in Detroit in 1902. A few months after his solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927, he and his mother came to Detroit for a parade in his honor.  During World War II, he moved to Bloomfield Hills and worked as a consultant on the construction and operation of the Willow Run bomber plant.
America's most famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh, was born in Detroit in 1902. A few months after his solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927, he and his mother came to Detroit for a parade in his honor. During World War II, he moved to Bloomfield Hills and worked as a consultant on the construction and operation of the Willow Run bomber plant.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit glider manufacturer Gliders Inc. conducts a flying test at Wildwood Farms in  Lake Orion, an estate owned by Detroit News publisher William E. Scripps,  on Dec. 12, 1928. The aircraft had a wingspan of about 30 feet and weighed 165 pounds.
Detroit glider manufacturer Gliders Inc. conducts a flying test at Wildwood Farms in Lake Orion, an estate owned by Detroit News publisher William E. Scripps, on Dec. 12, 1928. The aircraft had a wingspan of about 30 feet and weighed 165 pounds.
The Detroit News Archives
Participants in a glider exhibition in Lake Orion on Oct. 10, 1929, from left: Kenneth Pollard; Frank Blunk; William J. Scripps, son of The Detroit News publisher William E. Scripps; Elmer Westerlund, G.J. Paulus and Oscar Kuhn.
Participants in a glider exhibition in Lake Orion on Oct. 10, 1929, from left: Kenneth Pollard; Frank Blunk; William J. Scripps, son of The Detroit News publisher William E. Scripps; Elmer Westerlund, G.J. Paulus and Oscar Kuhn.
The Detroit News Archives
In 1925, Australian explorer and aviator George Hubert Wilkins proposed an air expedition to the Arctic to determine if there was a continent lying under the mass of ice and snow. The Detroit Aviation Society, a group which included Edsel Ford, backed him, as did The Detroit News and its readers, who contributed to the cause. Wilkins was given a rousing send-off by thousands of Detroiters.
In 1925, Australian explorer and aviator George Hubert Wilkins proposed an air expedition to the Arctic to determine if there was a continent lying under the mass of ice and snow. The Detroit Aviation Society, a group which included Edsel Ford, backed him, as did The Detroit News and its readers, who contributed to the cause. Wilkins was given a rousing send-off by thousands of Detroiters.
The Detroit News Archives
The arctic expedition, including reporter Palmer Hutchinson, took off in 1926 - and was dogged by misfortune and tragedy. Hutchinson was killed when he climbed out of a plane in blinding snow to free a wheel stuck in the ice and was struck by the airplaneÕs propeller. One of the planes hit a stump and was destroyed and another proved too heavy to fly across the arctic range. The doomed expedition came to a halt.
The arctic expedition, including reporter Palmer Hutchinson, took off in 1926 - and was dogged by misfortune and tragedy. Hutchinson was killed when he climbed out of a plane in blinding snow to free a wheel stuck in the ice and was struck by the airplaneÕs propeller. One of the planes hit a stump and was destroyed and another proved too heavy to fly across the arctic range. The doomed expedition came to a halt.
The Detroit News Archives
Wilkins and The Detroit News repeated the expedition in 1926, but a blizzard forced the plane down and they used up all their fuel. Wilkins and his pilot walked 70 miles with 80-pound packs to an Eskimo village.
Wilkins and The Detroit News repeated the expedition in 1926, but a blizzard forced the plane down and they used up all their fuel. Wilkins and his pilot walked 70 miles with 80-pound packs to an Eskimo village.
Detroit News Photo Archive
A third try that Wilkins financed himself proved to be the lucky charm. In 1928, Wilkins finally flew over the polar sea, from Alaska to Norway. Afterward he posed with the plane that got him there, above. Later that year Wilkins was knighted by Britain's King George. Wilkins credited Detroit for popularizing him as a polar explorer and for bringing him to the attention of scientific societies and the military.
A third try that Wilkins financed himself proved to be the lucky charm. In 1928, Wilkins finally flew over the polar sea, from Alaska to Norway. Afterward he posed with the plane that got him there, above. Later that year Wilkins was knighted by Britain's King George. Wilkins credited Detroit for popularizing him as a polar explorer and for bringing him to the attention of scientific societies and the military.
The Detroit News Archives
In 1929, The Detroit News launched Michigan's first aircraft dedicated to news gathering as well as newspaper distribution - a Lockheed Vega.  Detroit News employees load a plane with copies of the newspaper in July, 1930.
In 1929, The Detroit News launched Michigan's first aircraft dedicated to news gathering as well as newspaper distribution - a Lockheed Vega. Detroit News employees load a plane with copies of the newspaper in July, 1930.
The Detroit News Archives
The Detroit News' airplane in 1929. A shelf supported a typewriter, and a darkroom for photo development was set up on the opposite end of the cabin.
The Detroit News' airplane in 1929. A shelf supported a typewriter, and a darkroom for photo development was set up on the opposite end of the cabin.
The Detroit News Archives
The instrument board of the Detroit News Lockheed Vega airplane, seen in 1929.
The instrument board of the Detroit News Lockheed Vega airplane, seen in 1929.
The Detroit News Archives
In 1931,  The Detroit News launched its specially designed autogiro, the first of its kind used for news gathering, aerial photography and emergency distribution of papers. It had a four-bladed rotor mounted on a tripod above the body of a conventional airplane. It was powered by a 300-horsepower Wright engine and standard steel propeller.
In 1931, The Detroit News launched its specially designed autogiro, the first of its kind used for news gathering, aerial photography and emergency distribution of papers. It had a four-bladed rotor mounted on a tripod above the body of a conventional airplane. It was powered by a 300-horsepower Wright engine and standard steel propeller.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit Mayor Frank Murphy gets a ride in The Detroit News' autogiro in 1931. The unpowered rotor blades rotated automatically from the wash of the powered front propeller. The aircraft could take off in a distance of only 124 feet, hover almost motionless in the air and land in area of 50 feet.
Detroit Mayor Frank Murphy gets a ride in The Detroit News' autogiro in 1931. The unpowered rotor blades rotated automatically from the wash of the powered front propeller. The aircraft could take off in a distance of only 124 feet, hover almost motionless in the air and land in area of 50 feet.
The Detroit News Archives
The autogiro was heralded as great advance in aviation, but it was only in service a couple of years. In 1933, the aircraft was given to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
The autogiro was heralded as great advance in aviation, but it was only in service a couple of years. In 1933, the aircraft was given to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
The Detroit News Archives
Leonard S. Flo, seen here on Nov. 28, 1928, was the president and chief instructor of the Flo School of Flying in Ann Arbor. The school used Spartan and Arrow Sport open-cockpit planes.
Leonard S. Flo, seen here on Nov. 28, 1928, was the president and chief instructor of the Flo School of Flying in Ann Arbor. The school used Spartan and Arrow Sport open-cockpit planes.
The Detroit News Archives
Flier Eddie Stinson led a group of Detroit investors in forming the Stinson Aircraft Syndicate in 1925. The company would produce a series of successful aircraft designs. Stinson, seen here in 1929, was the world's most experienced pilot in flight hours, with more than 16,000 hours logged, at the time of his death in an air crash in 1932.
Flier Eddie Stinson led a group of Detroit investors in forming the Stinson Aircraft Syndicate in 1925. The company would produce a series of successful aircraft designs. Stinson, seen here in 1929, was the world's most experienced pilot in flight hours, with more than 16,000 hours logged, at the time of his death in an air crash in 1932.
The Detroit News Archives
Eddie Stinson boards one of his Stinson airplanes on June 3, 1928.
Eddie Stinson boards one of his Stinson airplanes on June 3, 1928.
The Detroit News Archives
Belleville, Mich., seen here in 1936, was the testing base for Stinson Sea Planes.
Belleville, Mich., seen here in 1936, was the testing base for Stinson Sea Planes.
The Detroit News Archives
The Packard Motor Co. in Detroit  also was a manufacturer of aircraft engines. Walter E. Lees was a Packard test pilot, seen on Sept. 10, 1930.
The Packard Motor Co. in Detroit also was a manufacturer of aircraft engines. Walter E. Lees was a Packard test pilot, seen on Sept. 10, 1930.
The Detroit News Archives
In 1930, The Detroit News took extensive aerial photographs of the Detroit area.  This view is of the Louise Lathrup Subdivision along Southfield Road,  looking west, at an altitude of 3500 feet.  Few buildings stood at the time; the area would be incorporated as  the city of Lathrup Village in 1953.
In 1930, The Detroit News took extensive aerial photographs of the Detroit area. This view is of the Louise Lathrup Subdivision along Southfield Road, looking west, at an altitude of 3500 feet. Few buildings stood at the time; the area would be incorporated as the city of Lathrup Village in 1953.
The Detroit News Archives
The U.S. Postal Service began experimenting with mail delivery via airplane as early as 1911.   The Flying Post Office, seen here in 1934, put postal employees on airplanes, sorting the mail during flights.  It was a short-lived practice, though, since it was hard for clerks to stand and move in the airplane and not enough mail was sorted to make it worthwhile.
The U.S. Postal Service began experimenting with mail delivery via airplane as early as 1911. The Flying Post Office, seen here in 1934, put postal employees on airplanes, sorting the mail during flights. It was a short-lived practice, though, since it was hard for clerks to stand and move in the airplane and not enough mail was sorted to make it worthwhile.
The Detroit News Archives
Members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Field pose before a parachute jumping exercise on Nov. 17, 1934. From left are  Lester Helling, Arnold Filliberti, Eugene F. North, Frank  Witt and  James A. Graham.
Members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Field pose before a parachute jumping exercise on Nov. 17, 1934. From left are Lester Helling, Arnold Filliberti, Eugene F. North, Frank Witt and James A. Graham.
The Detroit News Archives
A new Douglas transport plane is shown at the Wright Brothers' 31st Anniversary celebration at  City Airport on Dec. 17, 1934.
A new Douglas transport plane is shown at the Wright Brothers' 31st Anniversary celebration at City Airport on Dec. 17, 1934.
The Detroit News Archives
Gordon "Mickey" Cochrane of the Detroit Tigers and his family prepare to board a plane in 1935 - the year the Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series.
Gordon "Mickey" Cochrane of the Detroit Tigers and his family prepare to board a plane in 1935 - the year the Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series.
The Detroit News Archives
A plane prepares to leave for Chicago from Detroit City Airport in the 1930s.
A plane prepares to leave for Chicago from Detroit City Airport in the 1930s.
The Detroit News Archives
Spectators watch Michigan National Guard maneuvers at Selfridge Field on April 6,  1939.
Spectators watch Michigan National Guard maneuvers at Selfridge Field on April 6, 1939.
The Detroit News Archives
The Coast Guard used an airplane in its recruiting drives during World War II.  This scene is from Feb. 3, 1942.
The Coast Guard used an airplane in its recruiting drives during World War II. This scene is from Feb. 3, 1942.
The Detroit News Archives
Navy training plane practices takeoffs from the deck of the USS Wolverine on May 19, 1943. The ship started as a side-wheel excursion steamer built in 1913 by the American Ship Building Co. of Wyandotte. Converted to a freshwater aircraft carrier during World War II, it was positioned in Lake Michigan.
Navy training plane practices takeoffs from the deck of the USS Wolverine on May 19, 1943. The ship started as a side-wheel excursion steamer built in 1913 by the American Ship Building Co. of Wyandotte. Converted to a freshwater aircraft carrier during World War II, it was positioned in Lake Michigan.
The Detroit News Archives
Corporal J.J. Stacke inspects newly arrived homing pigeons at Selfridge Field on Aug. 8, 1943. During World War II, 54,000 pigeons were used by the U.S. Army Pigeon Service for communication and reconnaissance purposes. Over 90% of messages sent by pigeons were received.
Corporal J.J. Stacke inspects newly arrived homing pigeons at Selfridge Field on Aug. 8, 1943. During World War II, 54,000 pigeons were used by the U.S. Army Pigeon Service for communication and reconnaissance purposes. Over 90% of messages sent by pigeons were received.
The Detroit News Archives
An Army F82 Twin Mustang fighter plane, possibly photographed at Selfridge Air Base,  is seen on Nov. 23, 1945. It did not serve in World War II, but saw extensive action in the Korean War.
An Army F82 Twin Mustang fighter plane, possibly photographed at Selfridge Air Base, is seen on Nov. 23, 1945. It did not serve in World War II, but saw extensive action in the Korean War.
The Detroit News Archives
A Stinson L5-B Army air ambulance is seen on June 14, 1944.  The Stinson Aircraft Corporation was established southwest of Detroit, where Detroit Metro Airport later would be located.
A Stinson L5-B Army air ambulance is seen on June 14, 1944. The Stinson Aircraft Corporation was established southwest of Detroit, where Detroit Metro Airport later would be located.
The Detroit News Archives
Flamboyant flyer Roscoe Turner was a record-breaking aviator and stunt pilot from Mississippi. He had a brief connection with Detroit in 1944, when he started a daily charter service between Detroit and Memphis, but it was shut down after 40 days by the Civil Aeronautics Board, which ruled that it was an unauthorized airline service.
Flamboyant flyer Roscoe Turner was a record-breaking aviator and stunt pilot from Mississippi. He had a brief connection with Detroit in 1944, when he started a daily charter service between Detroit and Memphis, but it was shut down after 40 days by the Civil Aeronautics Board, which ruled that it was an unauthorized airline service.
The Detroit News Archives
In 1954, young pilots Larry Lasch, 12, and his brother Jim, 16, approach their plane for a trip from their home on Rattlesnake Island in Lake Erie to their Put-In-Bay, Ohio school. Their brother Henry, 10, also was a pilot.
In 1954, young pilots Larry Lasch, 12, and his brother Jim, 16, approach their plane for a trip from their home on Rattlesnake Island in Lake Erie to their Put-In-Bay, Ohio school. Their brother Henry, 10, also was a pilot.
The Detroit News Archives
Outfitted as an airborne television station, this DC-6 began broadcasting school courses in 1961 to a potential audience of 7 million in parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan, including Detroit. The plane, taking off from Lafayette, Ind., flew at 23,000 feet.
Outfitted as an airborne television station, this DC-6 began broadcasting school courses in 1961 to a potential audience of 7 million in parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan, including Detroit. The plane, taking off from Lafayette, Ind., flew at 23,000 feet.
UPI
Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo boards a private plane during his tenure on Oct. 28, 1956.
Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo boards a private plane during his tenure on Oct. 28, 1956.
The Detroit News Archives
Freedom Riders deplane on Sept. 20, 1961, after a trip to southern states to highlight the illegal segregation of races on public buses.  The civil rights activists rode buses in the South in mixed racial groups and often were met with violence.
Freedom Riders deplane on Sept. 20, 1961, after a trip to southern states to highlight the illegal segregation of races on public buses. The civil rights activists rode buses in the South in mixed racial groups and often were met with violence.
The Detroit News Archives
Navy aviators the Blue Angels pose with their planes in August, 1960.
Navy aviators the Blue Angels pose with their planes in August, 1960.
The Detroit News Archives
Nelson Rockefeller boards a plane in Detroit on April 6, 1974. This would have been after he served as governor and before he was nominated by President Gerald Ford to serve as his vice president.
Nelson Rockefeller boards a plane in Detroit on April 6, 1974. This would have been after he served as governor and before he was nominated by President Gerald Ford to serve as his vice president.
The Detroit News Archives
Actor Jimmy Stewart visits Henry Ford Museum in 1979 to see the 'Spirit of St. Louis' airplane, the sister craft of Charles Lindbergh's plane, which he donated to the museum. Stewart portrayed Lindbergh in the 1957 film 'The Spirit of St. Louis.'
Actor Jimmy Stewart visits Henry Ford Museum in 1979 to see the 'Spirit of St. Louis' airplane, the sister craft of Charles Lindbergh's plane, which he donated to the museum. Stewart portrayed Lindbergh in the 1957 film 'The Spirit of St. Louis.'
The Detroit News Archives