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

W. KNOX MARTIN

Early Deperdussin Monoplane Pilot

W. Knox Martin was born at Salem, Virginia, October 30, 1890. Information is lacking concerning his early life and education, but he first appeared in aviation when he joined the Sloane Flying School in late 1912.

The school was packing up to move to California for the winter months and Martin went along for instruction. The school located at Dominguez Flying Field, Los Angeles and they arrived there in time to attend the annual winter flying meet. During the event Martin and C.C. Roystone were passengers with aviator Earl Daugherty, flying a Gage plane, to win the passenger carrying event of the meet. 

As soon as the meet was over the Sloane School got under way, using a French Deperdussin monoplane as a school machine, powered by a 3-cylinder 35 H.P. Anzani engine. Also in the class were Allan Adams, C. C. Roystone and Apperman. The school machine was a single-seater and verbal ground instruction was given the students by instructor Guy Gilpatric. Martin gradually learned to fly by the grass cutting and progressive hop method. After completing his course he flew his license tests on March 29th on the Dep school plane, the tests being officially observed by Professor H. LaV. Twinning. His F.A.I. Certificate No. 224 was granted April 23, 1913.

Following this Martin became a full time pilot and employee of the Sloane. 

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