Born 1859, died 1927. Designed and built the first airplane in the state of Alabama at his home near New Market in 1908. Quick’s “Flying Machine” was a mid-wing monoplane with an upright pilot position, fuselage-mounted engine, direct drive propeller, tricycle landing gear, and steer-able tail wheel, and also among the first monoplanes to be designed in the United States. Quick also designed and patented an “Improved Flying Machine” (submitted February 9, 1912, approved October 21, 1913) with other unique features, such as retractable landing gear, folding wings, ornithopter method of thrust propulsion, wing warp and pitch control. Produced family of early aviators involved in barnstorming, crop-dusting and d air mail services.

Inducted Into Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame 1982

WILLIAM LAFAYETTE QUICK