Frank Kelsey photograph collection, 1911-1987

Frank Kelsey (1912-1991) was a pioneer Utah aviator who owned serveral aviation service companies in Utah and who was elected into the United States Soaring Hall of Fame in 1982. As a young man Kelsey built several gliders including a Bowlus Albatross. Kelsey started the Salt Lake Glider Club in about 1932. In 1937 he set a state soaring record of over two hours. During this time Kelsey worked in a Drugstore, bought and sold motorcyles, and worked for Standard Oil Company. In 1935 he married Mae Feinauer. Kelsey began working in aviation in 1935, working as a mechanic for National Parks Airways and later Western Air Express. In 1939 he began working for Hawley Bowlus in San Fernando, California. After Pearl Harbor, Bowlus began constructing military gliders. After Bowlus closed in 1943 Kelsey moved to Fresno to work for Timm-Larson Aircraft. In 1945 he formally recieved a pilot's license. In 1947 he moved back to Utah, going into business with Marc Kemp in the Midvale Flying Service in West Jordan, reeparing and servicing planes and giving flying lessons. Around 1950 Kemp and Kelsey moved to the Salt Lake City airport renaming their business, the Kemp and Kelsey Airservice. They also sold Beachcraft airplances. In 1952 Kelsey obtained his commercial pilot license and he started making charter flights.