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He continued practice at Mineola, and on July 30th he flew the tests for pilot license and was granted F.A.I. Certificate No. 36 dated August 2, 1911. Student Lee Hammond also took instruction from Baldwin at the same time. 

After Badger and Hammond completed their instruction and obtained licenses they signed up tp [[to]] fly exhibitions for Baldwin. They were entered as contestants in the Chicago Aviation Meet at Grant Park, August 12th and 20th. The group shipped out from New York on August 6th with Badger's beautiful new plane, two additional Baldwin machines and several mechanics. The Chicago Meet was a large event with many of the world's most notable airmen competing. 

With very little flying experience Badger and Hammond were soon caught up in the excitement of the event and Baldwin had difficulty holding them in check. On August 13th, Hammond fell into Lake Michigan and lost the airplane but aside from a ducking was not hurt. On August 15th Badger was not so fortunate; he crashed inside the Grant Park flying field area and was killed instantly, at age 27. He was attempting a pull-out following a dive and lost control. Barely more than a novice, he was attempting a type of flying beyond his experience. Captain Baldwin accompanied his body to Pittsburg where services were held on August 18th with burial in Allegheny Cemetery. 

Flying Pioneer William Badger did not live to enjoy flying as he had his former sports, but nevertheless, his name must be recorded as one of the early American aviators who gave his life demonstrating the airplane at a time when many doubted that man could really fly.