Ralph S. Barnaby/Captain, USN, Retired", B/w 11x8½. Ralph S. Barnaby (1883-1986), who was named an "elder statesman of aviation" by the National Aeronautic Association, designed, built and flew his first "hang-type" glider in 1909 at age 16. In 1930, Barnaby, who held glider pilot's license #1 and was a member of the "Early Birds" (pilots who received their flying licenses before 1916), made aviation history when his glider was launched from a plane some 3,000 feet above Los Angeles. Twenty years later, he was the Captain of the U.S. team in the first world soaring championship, held in Sweden in 1950. A founder of the Soaring Society of America, Barnaby also wrote a number of books on gliding. Serving in the U.S. Navy from 1917-1947, he was an advocate that every pilot should receive glider training, pointing out that even the X-15 became a glider when its fuel was spent.

Barnaby's Law:

Aero Club of Pennsylvania, president:
Captain Ralph S. Barnaby 1950-51 Captain USN, Phila Navy Yard, Glider Pilot and expert, dropped out of Airships, Aero Engineer at Naval Aircraft Factory, was Pres of EBs (Early Birds) circa 1956