Test pilotGeorge Grundy Jr

(Reading Time: < 1 minute)

The last living member of the Early Birds — pilots who flew before the 13th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight — Grundy was also the test pilot for the first autopilot device, which he demonstrated by turning it on and climbing out on the wing. He also trained fighter pilots in World War I. Grundy died May 19 at age 99.

From This is True for 24 May 1998