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What
is Their Claim to Fame?
On June 21, 1966, seven pioneer aviators made
their hand impressions in plaster at the Sutton
Theater in New York City. All but one of these
aviators, Colonel Bernt Balchen, were members of
the LIEFC. They are shown above with their hand
in wet plaster. 
From left to
right in the photo they are:
Ernest P. Cross: Crew member of the first airship
flight across the Atlantic Ocean – flight of
the R-34 – in 1919, William C. Diehl: Army
flight instructor in World War 1, Beckwith
Havens: Pioneer aviator, Harry A. Bruno: Pioneer
aviator, author, and press representative for
Charles A. Lindbergh, Elmo N. Pickerill: Early
LIEFC president d member of the Early Birds. Was
first to transmit and receive radio signals in
flight, Colonel Bernt Balchen: one of the
greatest pilots in the world. Flew over the South
Pole with Admiral Byrd. Great benefactor to USA
and Allies during World War II. Made many
exploratory flights, Clarence D. Chamberlin: Flew
across the Atlantic Ocean with passenger Charles
Levine in Bellanca a few weeks after Lindbergh.
Back
©
2004 The Long Island Early Fliers Club, P.O. Box
221, Bethpage, NY 11714-0221 • info@longislandearlyfliers.org
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