Walter Addems; Pioneer Aviator Who First Soloed in 1916

Walter Addems, 98, pioneer flier whose U.S. Pilot License No. 101 was signed by Orville Wright. Addems soloed for the first time in a glider in Oakland on July 15, 1916. He barnstormed the country in World War I surplus planes in the 1920s and flew airmail for National Air Transport before becoming chief pilot for United Airlines. Addems also served as president of the Early Birds, the 598 people who flew solo in the first 13 years after the Wright Brothers’ flight Dec. 17, 1903. With Addems’ death, the club now has only one surviving member, George Grundy, 99, of Leesburg, Fla. On Nov. 21 in Palo Alto.