A famous part of European aviation history was the French Bleriot XI, that
made its famous channel crossing from Calais to Dover Castle back in
July 1909. Note the wire braced wing of this beautiful replica.
Being a modern, tech minded nation the United States of America is the
most important place for the preservation of old aeroplanes.
Organizations here even manage to preserve, operate and fly such famous
heavy bombers as the Consolidated B-24 Liberator of the Collings Foundation.
Auntie JU HB-HOS gets airborne for another late afternoon pleasure flight.
After almost 20 years of pleasure flying this famous historic milestone
of aviation development still attracts sufficent crowds for the operation
of a fleet of five examples on the European circuit. Another two airworthy
examples are known to exist, one in South Africa the other in the USA.
Altough having brought death and destruction to Millions in the history
of war fighting, warbirds have an intruiging appeal to the audience at
airshows worldwide. Here a B-25 Mitchell is basking in the tranquil
late evening sunshine of a small air day.
The most numerous piston trainer in the post WW II era was the T-6 Texan
a.k.a. Harvard, SNJ and Wirraway. The South African Air Force still used the type
in its regular trainer role in the early nineties. The propeller tip speed,
close to the speed of sound, gives the aircraft a distinct sound.
Biplanes are the incarnation of the old vintage aeroplane. Here
three Stampe SV-4 are arriving late at their destination just
before sunset.