The West Lynn Flying Club Inc.

     The West Lynn Flying Club Inc. was a private non-profit organization established in November of 1946 with seven founding members , all of whom worked for General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts.  The club later formally incorporated in April of 1947.

     The founding members included: Rene Michaud, Preston J. Ultcht, John J. Groncki,  Zereh Martin, Howard Meserve, Ed Philpot, and George Kenny.    Mr. Ultcht was a former B-17 bomber pilot who flew 29 missions during WWII.  Michaud and Philpot were both experienced navy pilots.    

     Other members later included Francis Davenport, and Robert C. Fisher.  Dues were as low as 50 cents per week, and membership was open to anybody with an interest in flying.     

     The club owned its own airplane, a Boeing N2S-4 tw0-seat biplane built in 1944 that was formerly used by the U. S. Navy to train cadet pilots during World War II.  It was purchased as government surplus in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and then flown to Massachusetts.  

     The civil registration number for the aircraft was 38015.   

     At some point in time between 1949 and 1952 this aircraft was loaned or rented to an unknown pilot who subsequently wrecked it while attempting to land on a farm to ask directions.  Further details and the location of the accident are unknown.

     Information about this club was sent to New England Aviation History by the daughter of one of the club’s founding members.  She is seeking information relating to the above mentioned accident.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact New England Aviation History.   

      Sources:

     General Electric News Letter, “Local Flying Club Boasts Of Seven West Lynn Members”, January, 1948 

     Lynn Daily Evening Item, “GE Flying Enthusiasts Seek To Expand Club”, July 2, 1948.