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During early 1930 he was working on a small special amphibian for the Navy. Called the XSL-1, it was a monoplane with folding wings and tail surfaces for compact storage. Powered by a Warner engine it was intended to operate from submarines. As a result of this development Loening brought out a commercial version of this plane, called the "Duckling." This was followed by the "Monoduck" using a Wright Whirlwind engine. In 1934 Loening suspended the manufacture of planes and sub-contracted his work with existing firm. [[crossed out]] in order to carry on his activities. [[/crossed out]]

Loening closed his research firm in 1936 to become Aviation Advisor to the U.S. Maritime Commission. During World War II he was Aviation Consultant on the War Production Board and during that time was a director of a number of aeronautical financial organizations, including Roosevelt Field, Inc., the Palmer Securities Company and W.A. Harriman Securities Corporation. He was head consultant with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1946, becoming Chairman of the Helicopter Committee. In 1947 he conducted a survey of VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) possibilities and reported to NACA.

Loening was the first President of the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce, a founder member of the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences, Early Birds, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. He served on the Advisory Board of the National Air Museum. He received the Wright Memorial Trophy in 1950 and the Guggenheim Medal in 1960. He was a member of several Clubs in New York and Washington, D.C. Living in retirement in Key Biscayne, Florida, the father of three grown children, he actively continued his interest in aviation. In 1935 he wrote "Our Wings Grow Faster." In 1968 he wrote another valuable aviation book titled "Tae Off into Greatness," followed in 1970 by "The Conquering Wing," an exciting novel of early flying. In 1976, the year of his death, he received the Smithsonian Institution's highest award, the Langley Medal.

Flying Pioneer, Early Bird Grover Loening is truly one of the "greats" of early aviation development. Talented engineer, aviator, designer, builder and author, his contributions to aviation progress were numerous. A talented writer, his literature will live on through time. His long line of famous amphibians performed impressive tasks all over the world. Frank and outspoken in his judgment of aviation discussions, his counsel an unusual vision would always

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