Lt. Theodore G. Ellyson Becomes Naval Aviator No. 1
Trained by Glenn Curtiss at North Island, Lt. Ellyson receives the first naval aviator wings in history.
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Archival Chronicle & Historical Significance
Historical Chronicle
Curtiss A-1 Triad seaplane during early 1911 naval flight trials at North Island where Commander Theodore Ellyson qualified as Naval Aviator No. 1.
In early 1911, United States Navy Lieutenant Theodore Gordon Ellyson was ordered by the Navy Department to report to the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Camp on the isolated sand dunes of North Island. Selected as the Nav’ first official flight student, Ellyson was tasked with mastering the revolutionary art of naval aviation and determining whether heavier-than-air flying machines could be successfully deployed aboard fleet warships.
Working side-by-side with Glenn Curtiss on the shores of Spanish Bight, Ellyson mastered aircraft mechanics, hydroaeroplane handling, and open-water take-offs. In April 1911, upon completing his rigorous flight certification trials, Ellyson was officially awarded Naval Aviator Certificate No. 1, making him the worl’ very first naval pilot.
Ellyson subsequently pioneered the naval catapult launch system, tested wireless radio communications between aircraft and surface ships, and drafted the Nav’ first flight training manual. His courageous pioneering trials in Coronado airspace founded modern naval aviation and laid the cornerstone for the United States Nav’ carrier air wings.
Other Key Milestones in this Era
Glenn Curtiss & Birthplace of Naval Aviation
Aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss executes the first successful seaplane flight in North Island waters, founding naval aviation.
Commissioning of Naval Air Station North Island
The U.S. Navy officially commissions NAS North Island as America enters World War I.
Founding of the Coronado Flower Show
The largest tented flower show in the United States begins in Spreckels Park.
Primary Archival Sources & Official Portals
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