Today in 1909 Louis Bleriot flies the Channel

[Slartibartfast]

In 1909 Louis Bleriot makes the world a little bit smaller. He flew his monoplane across the English Channel from France to England a short hop to what is done nowadays. This was the first flight across the channel in a heavier than air machine.

 

The Man

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Bl%C3%A9riot

 

The Machine

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bl%C3%A9riot_XI

[Lexx_Luthor]

Thanks for reminding me. I have to get the DVD Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines

Czhec out the link...
 

 

:
:
Aircraft

The film is notable for reproductions of 1910-era aircraft, including a triplane, monoplanes, biplanes and also Horatio Phillips's 20-winged multiplane from 1904.[18] Wheeler insisted on...
:
:

I have Bleriot XI book pubbed out by Nat Air~n~Space Museum. Also, Taube Dove of War pubbed up by Historical Aviation Album. Two great mono~planes. They may be available at teh amazon, the books not the planes. If so, maybe do a review in the book thread.