US Army Signal Corps Aviation School, San Diego, California

[Californio]

My Grandfather trained to fly at the Army Signal Corps Aviation School, San Diego California around 1916/17, which became Rockwell Field in 1917 and now is NAS North Island.

He was transferred to Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas October 1917 as a Cadet for flight instructor training, earned his commission, and served as Assistant and Officer in charge of Flying before his discharge after the war.

I am looking for information on the pilots trained at Rockwell Field in 1916/17 as Cadets. I have a copy of a letter listing his time in Texas and his officers commission but no information on his time at Rockwell Field.

Is there an archive of pilots trained at Rockwell Field or a place to start my quest for information?

Thanks

[Californio]

Additional Information:

My Grandfather was 27 years-old in 1916 so I have to wonder if he had prior aviation experience before Army Signal Corps Aviation School. He was instructor rated less than 30 days after arriving in Texas. He was a California Native and I have to wonder if he had prior experience at the Curtiss School.

Is there an archive on graduates of the Curtiss School?

Thank You

[ONEALM]

Californio -

I don;t know of a comprehensive list of graduates of the North Island Curtiss schoot, but I do have a couple of resources at home which might provide some leads. If you could drop me you g'father's name I may be able to help.

I have some Rockwell (North Island) info, some on the Kelly Field programm and graduates and a list of all Aero Club of American certificates awarded if he applied for one. Joe Gertler, who contibutes here as well may be able to lend a hand if he pops into this thread.

You might also want to try the Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, NY. They *may* have additional information that could help. They have a decent archive of early aviation material obviously with a heavy Curtiss slant.

You can drop me a PM, put his name in this thread or send me an email directly at NJAVIATORS@AOL.COM.

Keep at it,
Mike

[Californio]

Originally Posted by ONEALM

Californio -

I don;t know of a comprehensive list of graduates of the North Island Curtiss schoot, but I do have a couple of resources at home which might provide some leads. If you could drop me you g'father's name I may be able to help.

I have some Rockwell (North Island) info, some on the Kelly Field programm and graduates and a list of all Aero Club of American certificates awarded if he applied for one. Joe Gertler, who contibutes here as well may be able to lend a hand if he pops into this thread.

You might also want to try the Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, NY. They *may* have additional information that could help. They have a decent archive of early aviation material obviously with a heavy Curtiss slant.

You can drop me a PM, put his name in this thread or send me an email directly at NJAVIATORS@AOL.COM.

Keep at it,
Mike

Thank You Mike - PM sent.

[joegertler]

Hi Californio;
I have the date that his license # 987 was issued...11/28/17

[Californio]

Thank You Mr. Gertler