M.I.T. Flying Club records

The MIT Flying Club was organized in 1927 and incorporated in 1928. The purposes of the club, as described in its constitution, were “to provide instruction and practice in the art of flying, to conduct scientific tests and research, to advance the science of aeronautics by encouraging and promoting interest in aviation and for those purposes to own and operate an aeroplane.” The club owned an American Eagle plane on which students received instruction from experienced pilots.

The first president of the club, Frederic Celler, served until 5 December 1928, when he resigned due to what he described as a “‘suggestion’ from the powers that be due to scholastic complications.” Celler was succeeded by Dick Holihan. The prospect of a Flying Club at MIT was met with some objections from faculty members and administrators who believed that the airplane would not be safe and that such a club would be better suited if it were part of the ROTC or Aerospace Engineering programs. The club members answered these objections and the club was officially recognized by MIT. It operated for about two years and disbanded sometime in 1929.

Another flying club was established by MIT students in 1946. This club, although it shares the same name, was not related to the original flying club.