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wanted to build a plane of his own design and on September 5th he was flying a new plane at a weekend meet at Hempstead, Long Island, New York. It was a biplane with the upper wing having much more span than the lower, and was powered by a 75 h.p., Rausenberger 8-cylinder engine.

In January, 1915, he formed the Peoli Aeroplane Company to build planes and had the backing of five prominent New York businessmen. A bid was soon submitted for the construction of a plane for the United States Navy, but the firm was not successful in getting a contract. Apparently in order to get shop facilities Peoli made a deal with the Washington Aeroplane Company, Washington, D. C., to use their shop, and a new larger plane was built there during the late winter months of 1914-1915, then on April 1, 1915, the Peoli Aeroplane Company took over the Washington company and prepared to move there for future operations.

On April 12, 1915, Peoli was killed instantly in a crash during the initial flight tests of this latest plane at the College Park Airport about 8 miles north of Washington. At age 22 he had made a wonderful start as a pilot, designer and manufacturer and it was truly a pity that he was taken away so soon. Well liked everywhere, heart and soul in his work, his ambition was to excel in whatever he did. His body was returned to New York for burial and his young company was dissolved.

Flying Pioneer Cecil M. Peoli was a most promising and brilliant young aviator and designer whose brief life offered every promise of establishing a prominent place in early American aviation. Unfortunately, he was not given the necessary time to accomplish his goals. For the short time he had, he certainly demonstrated his ability. His name must be well recorded in aviation history for his noteworthy efforts.

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