The documents of the Collection are basic and declarative. They are the stuff of a working pilot who applied his skills in a growing industry.

Early in his flying career he shows up in headlines as "...Lost On Desert..."

Lost in the Desert, January 19, 1922

Another example of Gilpin's piloting skill was an emergency aerial evacuation of his wife after an automobile accident. The article below, from February 4, 1928, descibes the landing and their takeoff from a narrow canyon. The airplane was the Bach NC8069.

News Article, February 4, 1928

He flew into and out of the type of geography depicted below around the town of Ray, AZ. He delivered his wife to Metropolitan Airport, Los Angeles.

Ray, AZ

Below, two versions of his transport pilot license, #2280, a fundamental tool of his trade. At the time, transport licenses were required to be renewed every six months.

C.W. Gilpin Transport Pilot License, 1929

Below, Gilpin's physical particulars put dimension on a real person (but, see below).

C.W. Gilpin Transport Pilot License, 1929

Gilpin was also a certificated aviation mechanic. Below two views of his mechanic's license, #2449, from 1928. It is curious that just a year later, as indicated on his pilot license above, he would add 29 pounds to his weight and shrink a quarter inch. His hair and eyes remained the same, however.

C.W. Gilpin Mechanic's License, 1928

Today pilot and mechanic certificates are issued for life. Other than requirements to maintain skills, there is no expiration date and no renewal procedures. Register pilot Clarence Young signed his license.

C.W. Gilpin Mechanic's License, 1930

Gilpin was, early on, a driver of automobiles. Below, a single view of that license. He'd apparently gained another five pounds and quarter inch.

C.W. Gilpin California Driver's License, 1931

In 1929 he was inducted into the Professional Pilots Association. Notice of acceptance is in the following cordial letter. Interesting to note on this letter is the sender, Dudley M. Steele, a Register pilot, as well as Executive Committee members Frederic Whitney, Jack Frye, Eddie Bellande and Eddie Martin, Register signers all. It was a tightly-knit community for pilots back then. Gilpin's Association membership was confirmed just a couple of months before his last signature in the Tucson Register.

C.W. Gilpin, Professional Pilots Association, 1929

Soon after, he went to work for Pickwick Airways. Notice the agreement of timing reflected in the letter below, which appears to be a generic reference letter. It was probably written by Picwick Operations Supervisor, Louis Goldsmith (a Register pilot who flew to Tucson in Bach NC8069) upon the demise of Pickwick.

Pickwick Airways Reference, 1930

He probably never used this letter, as he went into business himself as the G.&G.-Gilpin Airline. Below, an original piece of letterhead stationery from his business.

G.&G. - Gilpin Airline Letterhead Stationery, ca. 1930

As did Pickwick, Gilpin Airline carried passengers into old Mexico. Below are a few documents generated for his visits into Mexico.

Communicaciones, 1930?

This appears to be a comunications forwarding request from Pickwick. Loosely translated, the above says: "In accordance with the letter from you, from the 27th to this date have been issued instructions to the offices of the “Red”, to accept and pass on the character of extra-urgent messages - regular full price of the Company; relating to aeronautical services. I offer to you my careful consideration." Someone have better Spanish?

Below, Gilpin's identification card for entry into Mexico. This ID card was good until 1938. Alas, he never made it to 1938.

Servicio de Migracion, 1930

Below, his Mexico tourist pass issued July 12, 1932. This document is especially important (and poignant), because it was probably on his person, or at least in his airplane, on the evening of July 13 when he was killed when his airplane crashed. See his OBITUARY page for additional details.

Mexico Tourist Pass, 1932

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UPLOADED: August, 2008 REVISED: