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bad smashup while flying the new Wright "Baby Grand" racer powered with a special Vee-8-cylinder engine. Approaching the starting line at a low altitude, one half of the engine suddenly stopped firing, causing him to lose flying speed and crash. He was hospitalized but, fortunately, his injuries were not serious.

Brookins was a contestant at the Los Angeles Meet from December 24 to January 2, 1911, at Dominguez Field. Also flying in this event were Hoxsey, Parmelee, Curtiss, Robinson, Beachey, Ely, Willard, Latham and Radley. This was also the first air meet for Glenn Martin. Here, as always, Brookins showed his masterly style in entertaining the crowds. January 7th to 16th he flew at the San Francisco Meet held at what was then called Selfridge Field, with Parmelee, Ely, Beachey, Wiseman and Radley. This meet was somewhat of a military nature and Brookins made a number of flights carrying Army officers on experimental photographic and reconnaissance flights. Bomb dropping tests were also made.

April 5th to 12th, Brookins, Parmelee, Curtiss and Willard flew at Salt Lake City, Utah, then April 19th to 21st Brookins flew at Boise, Idaho, with Charles Willard, where they put on a great show before huge crowds. Brookins took the Governor for a ride and as a result was given commission at Lieutenant Colonel on the Governor's staff. April 27th to 29th Brookins and Willard flew at Walla Walla, Washington. There both aviators gave a 15-minute exhibition over the State Penitentiary for the benefit of the inmates who were allowed out in the yard enclosure to see the flying. June 7th to 10th Brookins flew at Wilmington, Delaware, then on the 14th to 16th at Peoria, Illinois.

About July 1st Brookins resigned from the Wright Exhibition Team because of a financial disagreement and late that month went with the newly formed Pioneer Aeroplane and Exhibition Company of St. Louis, Missouri, a chief pilot and instructor. This firm was organized by Andrew Drew, Max Lillie and three local businessmen to operate a flying school and gave exhibitions. On August 2nd Brookins flew at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Howard Gill. He was a competitor at the Chicago Meet at Grant Park August 12th to 20th, but did not do