About the Aero Club of Buffalo

Back in the 1880’s, members of the Carrier Pigeon Club of Buffalo became interested in the trials of wings, and soaring. At the same time, members of the Buffalo Bicycle Club (the High Wheel Club) worked at developing a blimp whose power was obtained from a propeller driven by pedals in the same way as a cycle. These daring men pioneered & pedaled their “sky bicycles” around Buffalo.

In 1900 the group of air enthusiasts broke away from the Automobile Club of Buffalo and, headed by John M. Satterfield, who later became known as the “father of aviation in Buffalo” founded the AERO CLUB of BUFFALO. He said “We organized when the Wright Brothers were still experimenting with their walloping windowpane”. A few years later the club received its charter as the first US Aero Club Chapter from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale of France, making it the world’s second oldest aero club and the oldest in America.

From pigeon, bicycle and motor clubs came the “flying & engineering group” that was the nucleus of the Aero Club of Buffalo.

Forty members of the Aero Club formed the nation’s first flying squadron and were federalized in 1916 as part of the New York National Guard.

Our members, since the beginning, have been the leaders in the aviation field including presidents and engineers of all the aircraft industries, corporate and combat pilots and reads the Who’s Who of aviation. Our speakers have included all the aviation history makers – Lindburg, Earhart & Rutan to name just a few of the past and we have speakers now who work for & on the future of aviation.

The early objectives of the club were to foster interest in the principles and development of aeronautics in Buffalo, to inspire and educate youths, defend our country through air power and to promote all aspects of aviation in the community as a positive influence. These goals are just as important today as they were back in the early years.

We invite anyone, not just pilots, with a love of aviation to join us to share the history and the future of aviation.