514th Observation Squadron Help

[davidb44]

Hello, I have been reviewing some old WW1 photo's of a family member who flew in the war. There are two photos of him standing alongside a Thomas Morse Scout, a couple of other posing in uniform and a large picture titled the 514th Observation Squadron, with names of each pilot and the commanding officers of the group.

Is there anyone out there who can tell me anything about the 514 Squadron, Where they flew? What they did? Any websites that might help?

The particular pilot I am Researching is Avery Black, who was born in Seattle where I am from. After the war he barnstormed through the Northwest then flew the mail from Seattle to Vancouver. started Whittier Airways and Whittier Flying service in California, Was then with Walter Varney as chief pilot, vice president and general manager of Varney Speedlines and then President of Varney Air Transport. He was the first president of Continental Airlines Leaving in 1940 to become a test pilot at Lockheed on the P-38 program. He was made the assistant chief pilot under Milo Burcham, and succeeded Milo as Chief Pilot at Lockheed after Milo died flying a new P-80 jet. Avery retired as a test pilot from Lockheed in 1957 and died the following year.

I have many photos documents and articles about Avery but know very little about The Great War. I would really like more info on “The 514th Observation Squadron”

Thank You Very Much

David Black
Seattle