1888-1958 |
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Pittsburgh, PA EB Chirp |
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Instead of the well-organized competitions that flourished on the Continent and the professional technique displayed by rival firms and pilots that produced such highly crafted machines as the Nieuport and Deperdussin, barnstorming with the same old models was the order of the day in America. Instead of venturing into unexplored realms of engineering design, the Wrights and Curtiss adhered stubbornly to their pusher biplanes---a type headed for extinction. American monoplanes (with the notable exception of a bullet-nosed machine with shaft-driven propeller at the tail, built by Edson Gallaudet, and engineer from Connecticut) were more or less obvious copies of European prize winners. The best example was an Anzani-powered craft, with rounded wing tips and wing warping for lateral control, built by Albert and Arthur Heinrich of Baldwin Long Island. This machine combined characteristics of the Bleriot and Morane-Saulnier. |
Shortly after the turn of the century, Arthur and his brother, Albert were building and very successfully racing speed boats. Their dreams and ambitions were turned to aviation by the work of the Wright Brothers. However, they felt that an airplane should have only one pair of wings like a bird. Construction was started in 1909, and in May 1910 it was successfully flown. Albert, age 21, was the pilot on the first flight. Arthur, age 23, piloted the second flight. They had to teach themselves to control their plane and did so after becoming airborne. Every airplane they built was a success. They built trainers and operated two flying schools. During the first World War, they built a number of airplanes for the U.S. Army. January, 1975 Number 81 |
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Arthur O. Heinrich, who first flew in a hay lot in Baldwin, Long Island on June 1, 1910, passed away suddenly September 14, 1958, following a heart attack at his home in Baldwin. The monoplane in which he made his first flight was built by him and his brother, Albert. The two maintained a 19-acre flying field at their Baldwin home, and are credited with building the first monoplane made entirely of parts from the U.S. They later built other models including the Heinrich military tractor biplane. Arthur Heinrich flew for several years as test pilot, instructor, and demonstrator for various organizations as well as the Heinrich Aeroplane Co. He was G. M. Bellanca's first paid test pilot. For many years he was engaged in manufacturing operations. During World War I the Heinrich brothers built and delivered 18 biplane fighters to the U.S. government. In more recent years Arthur worked as an inspector of the Grumman Corp. On October 5th, a short time after his death, the Long Island Early Fliers Club held a remembrance meeting for him, called "Arthur O. Heinrich Day". The meeting was at the Officers Club, Suffolk County Air Force Base. November, 1958 Number 60 |
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Highly Recommended Further Reading:
CITY OF FLIGHT: The History of Aviation in St. Louis by James J. Horgan The Patrice Press. |
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If you have any more information on this Early Bird, please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper Back 
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