Pioneer, barnstormer, designer, inventor. Made first solo flight in 1911. Flight instructor during World War I. Operated first flying field in Birmingham, Alabama in 1920. Flew pioneer air mail routes in the south, including first Birmingham-Chattanooga in 1925. Designed and produced sport plane at factory in Powderly, Alabama in 1926. Established several flight records while performing with early flying circus. Chief pilot for prominent aerial mapping company. Awarded several patents pertaining to aircraft design and construction. Internationally recognized for having completed more than 70 consecutive years of active flying.