Viewing page 16 of 21

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

During 1910 Oliver built a small 2-cylinder opposed liquid-cooled engine, which he later used [[strikethrough]] some [[/strikethrough]] in a boat. He continued on as the [[strikethrough]] FIRST AIR FORCE [[/strikethrough]] first airplane mechanic at San Antonio in 1911 when during the latter part of February wealthy New York sportsman Robert J. Collier, of [[/strikethrough]] COLLIERS WEEKLY [[/strikethrough]] Colliers Weekly, [[strikethrough]] loaned a [[/strikethrough]] lent his new [[strikethrough]] late model [[/strikethrough]] Type B Wright plane to the Signal Corps [[strikethrough]] there, in an attempt [[/strikethrough]] at Fort Sam Houston to [[strikethrough]] stimulate more interest in [[/strikethrough]] assist military aviation, especially when the Number-1 Army Flyer was undergoing repairs. Collier also made arrangements with the Wright Company to send Phil Parmelee to San Antonio to [[strikethrough]] give [[/strikethrough]] teach Foulois the "bent wrist" method of control, and to assist with demonstrations on the new plane. [[strikethrough]] This [[/strikethrough]] Foulois had been taught by Wilbur Wright who used the "lateral stick" control. This meant that Oliver now had two planes to keep in service. While Parmelee was there he and Lieutenant Foulois carried out a number of notable early reconnaissance flights [[strikethrough]] , and also gave Foulois additional instruction [[/strikethrough]]. Later [[strikethrough]] he [[/strikethrough]] Parmelee was recalled to Dayton for other duties [[strikethrough]] the [[/strikethrough]] so, the Wright Company sent Frank Coffyn to San Antonio as replacement. Oliver did such a good job there that spring and early summer that Collier took a liking to him and offered him a job at his country estate, Rest Hill, Wickatunk, New Jersey. Lieutenant Foulois made an appeal to retain him, which was rejected, and Oliver left [[strikethrough]] the Service [[/strikethrough]] San Antonio on July 14, 1911 to accept Mr. Collier's offer.

The Collier plane was returned to New Jersey and Oliver went to Dayton, where he entered the Wright school. There he learned to fly from instructor Cliff Turpin in 96 minutes flying time, after ten lessons, and made his first solo flight on July 29, 1911. Following this he went to New Jersey to take up his new duties, and proceeded to get equipment and facilities organized on the Collier Estate for flying operations. In the early fall he became an aerial chauffeur for the Collier family and their social events. October 14th, 15th, and 16th Collier promoted a private flying meet at Rest Hill, and both British pilot Tom Sopwith and Wright pilot A. L. Welsh were there with their planes for the three day event. It was distinctly a social affair with many notables invited as the guests, [[strikethrough]] and [[/strikethrough]] while passenger carrying and flying exhibitions were the order of the day. Little trips were made to adjoining towns for lunch and all sorts of local jaunts were arranged. Oliver did a lot of flying during this event. October 20th he

2

[[upper left margin]] F [[/upper left margin]]