My grandfather Wiliam Knox Martin was a pionrer aviator. He took Curtiss planes with him to South America to introduce aviation there and started the first air mail service there.

He flew in the Panama California Expo, was a second lieutenant in the aviation section of the Marines. Do any of you have any information, photos or data about him? He was also Boeing's first test pilot, and chief flying instructor in 1916.

The US Navy wrote the Alexandria Airplane Company a "Dear John" letter in August 1918. Their flying boat was deemed inferior to the competing Curtiss F-boat, and the Navy recommended AAC to "dispose of stock on hand." What a bummer for the fellows with the screwdrivers.

Washington Post, Mar 12, 1918.

Huge Hangar Nearly Completed.

WASHINGTON POST BUREAU.
703 King street, Alexandria, Va.

A huge hangar erected near Jones Point lighthouse by Contractor D.E. Bayless for the Briggs Aeroplane Company will be completed today. Several aeroplanes are nearing completion at the Briggs Aeroplane Company's factory here.

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Washington Post, May 9, 1918.

Capt. Briggs Resigns

Capt. A.W. Briggs has resigned as general manager of the Briggs Aeroplane Company. After May 15, the enterprise will be known as the Alexandria Aircraft Corporation. Capt. Briggs' name will be used in another enterprise here.

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Washington Post, May 16, 1918.

Will Manufacture Flying Boats

"Flying boats," something somewhat different from hydroaeroplanes, will be manufactured for the government by the Company recently organized by Capt. A.W. Briggs, now called Alexandria Aircraft Corporation. The new company, which has leased the Pioneer Mills property will turn out one boat a day.

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More information available at the Alexandria Library. Alexandria Aircraft Corporation ceased operation in 1919.

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Another photo of a Alexandria Aircraft model F-19 flying boat (Aerofiles.com). Potentially the same craft as shown under construction here (note struts for engine mount).

Washington Post, Oct. 5, 1917.

ALEXANDRIA GETS AIRPLANE FACTORY

Construction Is Started
On First Machine
At Big Plant.

WASHINGTON POST BUREAU.
703 King street, Alexandria, Va.

Aeroplanes in large numbers will be manufactured in Alexandria, a company, of which Blaine Elkins is president and H.A. Briggs, of Washington, a moving spirit, having leased a big brick building on St. Asaph street, between Pendleton and Wythe streets. Mechanics are now using a part of the building for the construction of a big hydroaeroplane. As soon as the necessary machinery has been secured many more mechanics will be employed. The concern will be known as the Kendrick Aeroplane Company, it is said.