ther of his parents. After studying the combustion engine that the Model-T donned, he prided himself on his ability to start Maria and keep her running. In 1916, Charles' father ordered a new tractor, which Charles insisted on assembling himself. After three days of hard work, the tractor ran without a problem. Through the tractor dealer, Charles then ordered a twin-cylinder Excelsior motorcycle. He "loved its power and speed and soon became a skillful rider" (Giblin 13). Charles finished high school with mediocre grades and then attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He soon became bored with college and turned to his lifelong interest in aviation.
             In 1922, Charles applied to the Nebraska Aircraft Corporation for flying instruction. The experience turned out to be a disappointment. After only a fraction of the guaranteed instruction hours were administered, the company chose to sell its training plane. Despite this drawback, Charles felt that he had learned a lot from the little experience he received.
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