Summary
In January 1971, teenagers on Beaver Island formed the Beaver Island Flying Club. They met weekly at the school under Bill Welke, a licensed flying instructor, developed a study curriculum, and planned to raise money for materials. Several members went aloft in Welke’s plane on the weekend of January 16, while the instructor hoped each member could log monthly air time.
Evidence and limits
The issue does not give an exact formation date, identify the aircraft, say that the airport was the flight site, or report that any member completed a solo flight. The event therefore records the club’s formation and first reported flight activity without inferring an aviation-school or legal organization.
Open questions
- Where did the January flights take place, and what aircraft was used?
- Did any member solo or continue into later aviation work?
- Can school, airport, or pilot records identify the instructor and aircraft?
See also
Sources
- Beaver Beacon, January 1971, “Beaver Island Kids Start Flying Club.”Reports the new club’s weekly school meetings, licensed instructor, six named officers, 15-member roster, 25-cent dues, study and fundraising plans, and several members flying on the weekend of January 16; the report gives no exact formation day or later outcome.