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

men and Curtiss leaned to rely on Kleckler, as he was always able to solve difficult mechanical problems. Kleckler became Curtiss' right hand man in all the early experimental work, first on motorcycles, supervising the building of the famous 8-cylinder speed motorcycle, and helping Curtiss establish a record of over 130 M.P.H. in Florida. This was followed by engines for dirigibles, early helicopter experiments and similar projects. 

In October, 1907 the famed Aerial Experiment Association was formed with a $25,000 grant from Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Graham Bell to conduct aviation experiments. Kleckler became a major factor in the building of the glider and the four famous aeroplanes and engines that followed as he assisted with their first flying experiments. He and Curtiss became inseparable and Curtiss depended more and more on Kleckler's skilled and loyal help. 

Kleckler remained with Curtiss, helping to design and build his early planes and engines, assisting in the water flying experiments, and was always a part of any Curtiss planning and undertaking. Reportedly he played a major part in the engineering and development of the famed OX engines and JENNEY training planes so universally used during World War I. 

Curtiss often had Kleckler with him at North Island, San Diego, California on experimental developments and later, during World War I, at the Curtiss Experimental Division at Garden City, Long Island, New York. There Kleckler assisted Curtiss in special self-flying aerial torpedo developments under way at that time. 

Toward the end of and immediately following World War I Kleckler assisted in the construction and development of the large NC series multi-engined flying boats at Garden City which successfully accomplished the Trans-Atlantic flight in 1919.

After this project Curtiss was determined to take a holiday and rest. He had learned to dislike the bitter cold of New York State winters so decided to go to Florida for a time, do some traveling and get away from it all for a while. A Florida land boom was in progress and Curtiss soon became involved in an extensive real estate venture in the Miami area. It was not long, however, until his inventive tendencies and love of making things took hold of him and he formed a Development Company to indulge in such activities.
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