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New York Journal-American, Sunday, November 13, 1960

4-BROOKLYN New York Journal-American, Sun., Nov. 13, 1960

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Early Birds Dip Wings to Pilot, 73

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Hail Dr. Studenski On 50 Air Years

By GEORGE CARROLL
Aviation Editor

Brother barnstormers of a bygone day hoisted their glasses at Roosevelt Field last night to Dr. Paul Studenski, 73, professor emeritus of economics at New York University, as he celebrated the golden anniversary of his first solo flight.

They dined in a restaurant not far from the spot where Charles Lindbergh took off on his famous flight to Paris in 1927.

And Elmo N. Pickerill, vice-president of the Early Birds, grandfather of all aeronautical clubs, presented a bronze plaque to the professor.

OLDEST MEMBER

To belong to the Early Birds, one must have soloed before 1916. Longest-lived Bird now on the rolls is 95.

Dr. Studenski lives at 33 Washington ave., Brentwood, and Mr. Pickerill, who was taught to fly by the Wright brothers, lives at 4 Weybridge rd., Mineola.

The professor, 27 years on the NYU faculty and a native of Russia, learned to fly as a student in Paris. He soloed in 1910 in a 25-hpw Bleriot monoplane, and quit the Sorbonne for the Louis Bleriot School of Aviation at Etampes.

FLEW EVERYTHING

Coming to America, Dr. Studenski taught flying in Chicago, worked as a test pilot, raced and barnstormed all over the U.S. at state and county fairs. He flew Bleriots, Curtis biplanes and a Beach National, then the largest aircraft in the country.

Before turning from the air to the classroom once more in 1914, he flew for the Post Office, pioneering Southern air mail routes.

The dinner was attended by many members of the OX5 Club, which takes its name

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[[image - headshot of Paul Studenski]]

DR. PAUL STUDENSKI
First Solo in 1910

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from the Curtiss engine of WWI.

On a pilgrimage to a nearby hanger at Roosevelt, some of the guests saw their likeness in the mural Aline Rhonie painted on a wall of the hanger 30 years ago. It depicts 500 early aviators and 263 different types of plane.

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Bond Drive To Fete Held

Philip D. Held, prominent Brooklyn attorney and communal figure, will be honored for his service to Israel at a dinner-dance next Thursday in the Kingsway Jewish Center, 2902 Kings hgwy., under the combined sponsorship of the Brooklyn Division of the Israel Bond drive and the Rambam Yeshiva.

Mr. Held, will be honored for his leadership in the effort to mobilize Israel Bond investment funds for the expansion and development of Israel's industry, agricultural and commerce. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Center.

Officers of the Kingsway Jewish Center who are serving on the committee are Morris J. Weisberger, and David S. Hammerman, center president.

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[[image - Paul Studenski in biplane]]

EARLY BIRDMAN . . . Dr. Studenski, now a professor at New York University, is shown taking off Curtiss-type biplane from South Dakota in 1912. His flimsy craft is a far cry from today's sleek jets with air-conditioning and bars.