A Magnificent Young Man & His Flying Machine

Is this a happy young man, or what?!  His entire face is grinning.  Yes, Bob was an amateur pilot for a brief time, and obviously enjoyed it.  He and Chester Morris went to Georgia, received some basic training and obtained their pilot licenses before flying back to California.  And that sums up my total knowledge of Mr. Montgomery's flying career. 

 Oh, and I believe it happened in 1930, the same time frame for this snapshot.  And I'm guessing Bob has flown a plane being used in a movie about WWI, German flight insignia's and all.  Perhaps there is some connection with War Nurse (1930), but that is pure speculation.   Other than one studio photo shoot of Bob and his plane, there doesn't seem to be any other photos of his flying days, no articles about it either, other than brief mentions, like "Bob is also interested in flying..."  He would continue to fly extensively via commercial planes throughout his life, so it wasn't a fear of flying that stopped him.  Maybe a promise to Betty?

Did you notice the white bucks?  The required Montgomery footwear for casual attire.  And a flyer's scarf ... of course!