The Standard J-1 has too long been hidden in the shadows of our aviation history, eclipsed by the famous Curtiss Jenny.

The true and complete story of this remarkable plane has never been told, until now by Chet Peek. In their frantic rush to produce pilots for the WW I Air Service, the United States built nearly 4000 Curtiss JN4-D’s and 1600 Standard J-1’s, to be used as primary training planes. Sadly, although the Standard was a superior design, dissatisfaction with its Hall-Scott A-7a engine eventually caused it to be taken out of service. It is a troubling mystery why such a fine engine, designed by a respected company, and tested thoroughly by government inspectors, would be so unreliable.

However, rising from its ignoble record in the Air Service, the Standard, re-engined with a Curtiss OX-5 or a Hispano-Suiza, became the Barnstormers favorite. Such aviation greats as Charles Lindbergh, Frank Hawks, Noel Wein and Art Chester began their aviation careers flying Standard J-1’s. Through the efforts of the Gates Flying Circus and similar aerial showmen, Standards allowed millions of Americans to first experience the thrill of flying.