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[[stamp]] FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE [[/stamp]]

SHAKIR S. JERWAN
Early Moisant Monoplane Pilot

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Shakir S. Jerwan was born in Beirut, Syria, February 16, 1881. Information is lacking concerning his early life and education, but he entered the United States in 1904 and became an American citizen in 1910.

His interest in aviation led him to join the Moisant School of Aviation in 1911. [[strikethrough]] where [[/strikethrough]] He was taught to fly a Moisant-Bleriot monoplane with a 35 h.p. Anzani engine, at Garden City, Long Island, New York, by Moisant instructor Andre Houpert. Jerwan had a minor smashup June 1st on a practice hop, due to improper control. After completing his instruction he obtained F.A.I. Certificate No. 54, dated August 30, 1911. He continued his practice with the Moisant Company through 1911 and in December lectured on flying for a course in aviation at the New York Young Men's Christian Association.

In May, 1912, Jerwan was made Chief Instructor of the Moisant School for the season and taught several students that year.

In January, 1913, the school was moved to Augusta, Georgia, for the winter months and Jerwan was retained as instructor. There he was assisted by Moisant Pilot George Arnold, where they had a class of ten students and used five planes. Daily flying also included demonstration flights before United States Government military officers. In March while [[strikethrough]] there [[/strikethrough]] in Augusta Jerwan dropped a letter from his plane to President Taft, who was staying at an Augusta hotel.

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