MO Aviation Historical Society Meeting March 22 - Dr. Fred Roos Presents On Thomas Benoist

By Carmelo Turdo

The Missouri Aviation Historical Society is a group of folks with a love of aircraft, and we are striving to record and document the rich aviation history that has been a part of the great state of Missouri for the past century. From Benoist to Zenith, the aviation industry in the "Show Me" state has always been at the forefront of technology, and has produced some of the world’s best known aircraft. Famous pilots, from Jimmy Doolittle, to Slim Lindbergh, all called Missouri home for a portion of their lives, and made significant contributions to the advancement of aviation. We meet monthly in Clayton, MO at 190 Carondelet Plaza, Room 9H on the 9th floor.

Thomas Benoist, was one of America’s early aviation pioneers, and was born in Irondale, Missouri, in 1874. 100 years ago, in March 1912, The Benoist Aircraft Company was busy preparing their new military variant of the Type XII biplane, with a tractor arrangement, the first aircraft in the United States, to utilize this design. This was but one of many accomplishments made by Benoist, throughout the next several years. All up production, by the time the company closed its doors in 1918, was just over 100 aircraft. I am proud to announce, that MOAHS member Fred Roos, Phd, will present the history of Thomas Benoist, and his remarkable accomplishments, at our next meeting, on Thursday, March 22nd at 7 PM. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.