Early Birds of Aviation

[1] Membership was limited to those who piloted a glider, gas balloon, or airplane, prior to December 17, 1916, covering the entirety of the pioneer era of aviation, and just over two years into World War I.

The cutoff date was set at December 17 to correspond to the first flights of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

1916 was chosen as a cutoff because a large number of people were trained in 1917 as pilots for World War I.

The original organization dissolved once the last living member had died.

[1] The organization was restarted and is devoted to collecting and publishing biographies on those who met the 1916 deadline.

39 aviators who died between 1908 and 1912
38 more aviators who died between 1908 and 1912
1936 signatures of Early Birds in recognition of the contribution of Earl Ovington to the First Regular Air Mail service, formally presented to his wife after his death.