In 1913, Ottawa lagged in the field of aviation. Cecil Peoli was the young man who managed to change that. Ottawa Future brings you more about him.
Who Was Cecil Peoli?
Cecil Peoli was a young man who was building flying models by 1911 and learned to fly in 1912. Remarkably, by the age of 18, he was piloting the Baldwin Red Devil airplane around Ottawa’s Parliament Hill. Known for his talent and inventiveness, Peoli founded a company specializing in aircraft design and manufacturing by age 21. He passed away at 22 and is buried in the Bronx.
Let’s explore more about the short but achievement-filled life of Cecil Peoli, the young aviator.
Childhood and a Fateful Encounter
Cecil Peoli was born in New York, where his father worked in retail bicycle sales and was a prominent member of the city’s cycling community. He joined an early club for aviators and designers and succeeded in constructing several aircraft that were awarded in 1909. One of his designs, the “Peoli Racer,” is still under development.
Peoli’s engineering work caught the attention of Captain Thomas Baldwin, who invited the young man to train as an exhibition aviator. In June 1912, Peoli received his pilot certificate, making him the youngest licensed pilot in America.
Baldwin then took Peoli on a trip from Long Island, New York, to Barrie, Ontario, for a week and later to Saint John, New Brunswick. This journey earned the young aviator a place in maritime history.
Visit to Ottawa
Public interest in Peoli was spurred by his youth, as he was half the age of Wilbur Wright when he made the first flight. Local publications frequently highlighted People’s young age.
During his stay in Ottawa, Peoli was described as follows:
- A shy yet confident pilot, creating a striking contrast.
- An intelligent and handsome young man, with his youth and looks frequently noted in various publications.
- A successful example, showing that flying was possible not only for seasoned men but for the younger generation.
- Passionate about aerodynamics and engineering with a true dedication to his craft.
- A portrayal of a young and successful pilot that resonated well with the public, also serving as an effective marketing strategy to popularize aviation and attract new enthusiasts.
- A reassuring image for the public, demonstrating that even a young man could fly safely.
Notably, Peoli’s mother, Cassandra, accompanied him to Ottawa. Photos of her from this time are preserved at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
Flights in Ontario
Although Peoli was born and raised in New York, he quickly gained recognition in Ottawa. On July 4, 1913, Peoli flew in the small farming village of Lanark, Ontario, about 80 kilometers from the capital. Soon after, local newspapers began publishing articles covering his achievements.
For instance, an article titled “LANARK OLD BOYS HAVE SPLENDID DAY” in the Citizen described it as the most successful airplane flight, performed by a sensational American aviator.
People flocked to Lanark, Ontario, eager to see the Red Devil flight firsthand.
The farm from which the flights took place was packed with spectators. They waited anxiously, both anticipating and fearing the sight of someone taking off above them.
While in the air, Cecil Peoli performed several impressive demonstrations, and the crowd applauded enthusiastically.
Despite the excitement, this event received limited coverage in Ottawa. For example, another publication, Ottawa Journal, only mentioned the beginning and end of the event in a short article.
Return to Ottawa
People’s second trip to Ottawa, two months after his initial visit, garnered more attention from the local press. Ottawa Citizen noted that the pilot took all possible precautions to avoid accidents. For instance, he needed an open area ranging from 200 to 800 feet for safe takeoff and landing. The article mentioned that Thomas Baldwin would also come to Ottawa to inspect the area.
Witnesses often emphasized that, despite his age, Cecil Peoli was a careful aviator. For instance, on opening day, he was supposed to fly despite hazardous weather conditions for a small plane. He resisted pressure and waited until the next day.
Once the weather improved, he performed what were described as the best flights Ottawa had ever seen. The final flight lasted three hours, starting at Slattery’s field. The crowd of residents applauded the spectacle, with the mother of one of the youngest pilots in the audience. Even after Peoli left, Ottawa’s newspapers continued to recall his flights.
Tragic Accident
On April 12, 1915, Cecil’s plane disintegrated mid-flight, crashing at the edge of the airfield. The young and promising aviator didn’t manage to reach an altitude of more than 100 feet before instantly perishing.
Cecil Peoli left a legacy not only as a talented pilot but also as a significant figure in aviation history. His story is a testament to aviation’s ongoing progress, continually drawing in new, young talent.