Viewing page 1 of 6

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

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

JOSEPH PENDHAYN
Pioneer Chicago Pilot

[[image]]

Joseph Pendhayn was born at Kapfenstein, Steirmark, Austria, September 21, 1888. Information is lacking concerning his early life, education, occupation and when he came to the United States.

The first evidence of his interest in aviation was when he enrolled as a student at the Lillie Flying School at Cicero Field, Chicago, Illinois during the early summer months of 1913. There he was taught to fly on a Lillie-Wright Model B school machine by instructors Lillie and Thompson. After completing his course he obtained F.A.I. Pilot License No.252, dated August 6, 1913. Receiving their licenses at the same time were Lillie students R. G. Sestak, C. J. Schaap and N. M. McGuire. 

Pendhayn continued flying practice at Cicero in 1913, the in April, 1914 he wanted to get into the exhibition game, so in April he purchased the 50-Gnome motored Lillie tractor biplane for this purpose. Designed by Vought, this plan was built in the Lillie shop and had been flown successfully by members of the Lillie pilot staff. Needing a bit more power Pendhayn installed an 80 H.P. Gyro rotary engine in May, then began flying it at Cicero in practice. 

In early June he let Charles Wiggin fly it, and in landing it flipped over on its back, then caught fire and was badly damaged. Wiggin escaped unhurt. The plane was so nearly destroyed Pendhayn decided against trying to rebuilt it, so he bought the small Day tractor biplane from the Lillie organization and began

1