Uploaded July 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
For years it was believed that on August 4, 1910, Elmo Pickerill made the first air to ground two-way radio-telegraphic contact, while flying solo in a Wright Model B biplane, from Mineola, Long Island, to Manhattan Beach and back, setting a record for distance and time in the process. At least that was Elmo Pickerill's story when Bruce Kelley interviewed him in this AWA Classic. It was also the story in his obituary in the New York Times in 1968. However recent research suggests that that Pickerill never made such a flight. Could there be other "facts" of his life that Pickerill made up? This AWA Classic gives us a chance to hear Elmo Pickerill's story in his own words. After watching this video, be sure to read another side of the story in Smithsonian Air & Space Magazine at:
airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/itm-elmo-pickerill-180968353
If you enjoyed this video, consider becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at: antiquewireless.org/homepage/membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
For years it was believed that on August 4, 1910, Elmo Pickerill made the first air to ground two-way radio-telegraphic contact, while flying solo in a Wright Model B biplane, from Mineola, Long Island, to Manhattan Beach and back, setting a record for distance and time in the process. At least that was Elmo Pickerill's story when Bruce Kelley interviewed him in this AWA Classic. It was also the story in his obituary in the New York Times in 1968. However recent research suggests that that Pickerill never made such a flight. Could there be other "facts" of his life that Pickerill made up? This AWA Classic gives us a chance to hear Elmo Pickerill's story in his own words. After watching this video, be sure to read another side of the story in Smithsonian Air & Space Magazine at:
airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/itm-elmo-pickerill-180968353
If you enjoyed this video, consider becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at: antiquewireless.org/homepage/membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
