In June 1912, publications across the country eulogized Arthur L. Welsh, the pilot who had garnered the respect and admiration of those working in the new industry of aviation. Here is an excerpt from the Washington Herald of June 12, 1912:

“Al Welsh was one of the five original pupils of Orville and Wilbur Wright and was adjudged by his tutors to be the most skillful instructor in the art of flying in aviation circles, and only recently Wilbur Wright declared him the peer of any man in the world as a pilot. Although Welsh was one of the first professional birdmen, it could be truthfully said of him that he was of the new school of aviators. Intrepid but cautious he was conceded to be as safe when soaring at an altitude of 1,500 feet as when on the ground. He never played to the grandstands and has time and again condemned men who jeopardized their lives by attempting circus stunts.”