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George Mestach

Early Morane Monoplane Pilot

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Reportedly, Mestach was a native of France, but information is lacking concerning his early life and education. He learned to fly in France and had a French F.A.I. license. [[Crossed out]] Reportedly [[Crossed out]] he [[crossed out]] had won [[crossed out]] was said to have the Paris-to-Madrid race earlier in 1911.  He first became known in the United States as a contestant at the famed 1911 Chicago meet in Grant Park, August 12-20. For this event he brought over a 50 hp., Gonme-engined Morane-Borel monoplane.
At Chicago he entered several events but failed to make any outstanding showing. [[Crossed out text - unreadable]] Next he flew at Quebec, Canada, August 30th to September 5th, holding the first [[Crossed out]] aeroplane [[Crossed out]] airplane flights in that provincial capital. Mestach evidently returned to France for the winder months of 1911-1912.
In late February, 1912, Mestach and his manager, Ernest Mathis, brought a new Morane-Borel, 50-hp. Gnome-powered monoplane through customs at New Orleans, Louisiana, to engage in exhibition flying in the United States for the 1912 season. On his first engagement Mestach flew at an air meet in Montgomery, Alabama, March 4th to 6th. Also flying there was Harold Kantner, Paul Peck, Fred Schneider, Oliver Sherwood, Eugene Heth and Louie Mitchell.  After the event Mestach returned to New Orleans where he flew over the city on March 8th. On Easter Sunday he flew from New Orleans to Baton Rouge carrying mail. April 5th he flew over New Orleans