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They returned to the United States on April 26, 1913, and soon after that gave exhibitions at his former home communities of Central Valley and Newburgh, New York. In May, Atwater joined the Sloane Aeroplane Company of New York, where he remained for a time in charge of demonstration, school and exhibition flying. In December, 1916, he became an assistant instructor for the Wright Company at their winter flying school in Atlanta, Georgia, along with their senior instructor Howard Rinehart.
Atwater was in Atlanta over the winter months, then as World War I started in the spring of 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Force. Later he was sent to Lake Bulsoma, Italy, where he served as Commander of Italian Naval Aviation Instruction until after the Armistice.
When Atwater returned to the United States and civilian life, he continued to fly, putting in some time as an airmail pilot. During this time he flew the first airmail from Guatemala City to Cuba. He later joined the American Aeronautical Corporation of Port Washington, Long Island, New York, as test and demonstration pilot. The firm was organized to manufacture Italian Savoia-Marchetti flying boats under license in the United States. In 1930, on August 9th and 10th, Atwater established a new solo duration record for light seaplanes of twenty-two hours, eighteen minutes, at Manhassett Bay, Long Island, flying a Kinner-powered Savoia-Marchetti flying boat. He remained there for a time then moved to Florida, but continued his interest in flying and kept his flying license valid. In late 1936 he had just passed his physical examination for license renewal when he passed away suddenly of a heart attack in New York City on January 13, 1937. He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Mabel S. Atwater, his mother, Mrs. J.R. Atwater, a brother, Eugene S. Atwater, two sisters, Mrs. Oscar Ayres and Mrs. J.A. Mussen, and several nieces and nephews. Burial was in the Cemetery of the Highlands, Highland Hills, New York. While Mrs. Atwater was always interested in his flying, she evidently did not continue her practice and was not licensed.

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