A little trip back in time to the days of those intrepid pioneer aviators. These are the 'Edwardian machines' I've been privileged to see in the air several times during the last two seasons at Old Warden. At one show last season the weather was so perfect they flew them all in one glorious session. I'm told this doesn't happen too often.

1909. The Bleriot XI monoplane. It looks a tad tricky to handle & only does short hops down the runway these days. Basically similar to the machine used for the Channel crossing, this machine (constructor's No.14) was one of the original aircraft at the Bleriot School at Hendon in 1910. This is the best shot I have of it in the air. Hoping to do better soon.


1910. Deperdussin. This delightful little aeroplane flies a treat. Like the Bleriot it's restricted to short hops.


1912. The Blackburn Type D Monoplane. Oldest airworthy British aeroplane in the world. This one flies extremely well & I have photos of it high overhead.


These were the real stars of the film "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines". The last two are replicas built specially for the film. They're fitted with modern engines & both perform surprisingly well. Being over 40 years old they almost qualify as vintage machines in their own right.

1910 Bristol Boxkite replica. Built by Miles Aircraft at Ford, Sussex. Test flown at Shoreham.


1911 Avro Triplane replica. Built by the Hampshire Aeroplane Club at Eastleigh.

Wonderful Doug...great

Those where the days....oh just to have an Avro or Bristol in the hangar to roll out on those glorious quiet Sunday mornings and take off from the grass strip to watch the local farmers herding their cows into the milking barn....dang...darn...there I go dreaming again

Will just have to settle for the C172...when I get it now

Thanks again for posting them.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

Those airplanes are amazing. Great shots.