Eddie Allen was the foremost technical test pilot of large multi-engine aircraft up to WWII. He tested aircraft for at least 9 companies and flew "first flight" tests (often at the insistence of insurance companies ) for more than 24 aircraft. He died testing the B-29 in 1943. This is his story from his own letters and articles beginning in WWI learning to fly the Curtiss "Jenny" all the way to the B-29 Superfortress.