About Frank T. Coffyn

Frank Coffyn was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1878. The son of awealthy banker, he became fascinated with flight after witnessing theflights of Louis Paulhan in New York in December 1909. His father wasacquainted with one of the Wright Company board executives, and arranged ameeting between Coffyn and Wilbur Wright. Wilbur invited Coffyn to Dayton,where he began flight instruction in May, 1910.

Coffyn stayed with the Wright exhibition team until December of 1910, flyingin public exhibitions in Indianapolis, Montreal, Atlantic City, Asbury Park,and many other venues. He was a close friend of many of the other Wrightpilots, including Walter Brookins, Ralph Johnstone, and Arch Hoxsey. He wasoften accompanied on the exhibitions by his wife, Louise Adams, and theiryoung son Kingsland. Coffyn was known as a cautious and reliable aviator,staying well within the guidelines of safe flights established by theWrights.