Viewing page 8 of 20

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

                       WELDON B. COOKE
             Early Exhibition Pilot - Plane Builder

Weldon B. Cooke was born in Lockeford, Cal., June 28, 1884, the son of a minister. He graduated from the California School of Mechanical Arts at 18 and the College of Electrical Engineering, University of California, when 21. He was mechanically inclined and interested in automobiles and gas engines, and finally became engaged in the motor car business. Cooke's interest in aviation started in 1910 when he built a Montgomery type glider and made some short hops in it. Later that year he saw Paulhan fly at the Los Angeles Meet and he became intensely interested in flying.

During the Summer of 1911, Cooke learned of a home made aeroplane being built in Pittsburg, Cal. by two mechanics named Lanteri and Maupin, decided to visit them and see if they would let him fly it. It was a Curtiss-type biplane with an Elbridge engine. Lanteri had made a few hops in it himself, but Cooke succeeded in getting permission to try it out. Proceeding cautiously, he taught himself to fly by taxing back and forth for six days, occasionally making little hops and finally got it into the air under control. Cooke did so well that Lanteri did not fly it again. 

He continued to practice and on September 20th made a flight of 2 miles at Black Diamond Cal., September 21st a flight of 14 miles, and on October 6-7 flew his first public exhibition at Walnut Creek, Cal. October 12th he flew at a Columbus Day celebration at Oakland Merritt and, following this, flew from Alameda to Adams Point. On the way back he fell into Lake Merritt, but was unhurt. November 15, 1911 he applied for his license tests. November 30 to December 5 he flew at the Stockton Fair Grounds. At this time he was making flights to 3,000 feet for one hour or more. Following this, he flew to Lockport to visit his Grandmother, returning to Stockton the next day. His next appearance was with Diddier Masson at the Elmhurst Motordrome during an auto race meet. Cooke then installed a 4-cyl. Roberts engine in the plane, and he and Masson remained at Elmhurst for several days. On December 18th they dropped dummy bombs during maneuvers of the California National Guard. December 19th he made a wonderful flight for a novice: starting from Elmhurst he flew over Oakland and Maren County, and rising to about 5,000 feet, circled Mt. Tamalpais. On his back, he landed at Mill Valley for the night, then flew back to Elmhurst the next day.

Cooke continued to fly for Lanteri and Maupin who had formed the Black Diamond Aeroplane Co. December 31, 1911-January 1, 1912, he flew at Santa Rose, Cal., then the group made preparations to enter their plane in the Los Angeles Meet to be held at Dominguez Field on January 12-29. For this event they installed a more powerful Roberts 4-cyl. 50 H.P. engine. Lanteri and Maupin accompanied Cookie to the Meet where he gained the title of the MARATHON AVIATOR for his consistent daily endurance flights, remaining in the air each day for the full time of the afternoon programs. One day he flew over Los Angeles, and when the Meet was over he has 18hours, 5 minutes flying time to his credit out of the 22 hours of the Meet. He also won a prize for attaining the highest altitude during the event. While there, on January 17th, he flew for his license, No. 95,using this Roberts powered, Curtiss