AviTech Reader

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Airlines have really played a major part in the transport industry and we always appreciate their contribution as far as mobility is concerned. In my view, national airlines are always easy to establish and maintain as they are run by public funds and therefore should be the best around the world. Today, back in 1933 France's air minister Pierre Cot formally inaugurated the country's national airline, Air France. (AYY)

Landing at the extreme ends of the earth…talk of the North pole and the South pole actually seemed interesting especially considering some myths and beliefs that existed in the early days of Scientists and explorers like Galileo. I take it as a nice adventure and in that respect, today in our going back series we remember the US Navy R4D-5 Skytrain Que Sera Sera, commanded by Rear Admiral George Dufek, that became the 1^st airplane to make a landing at the South Pole in 1956. (AYY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many aviators are respected for having been the first to take to the skies but the first ones just flew around their hometowns till 1908.Going back to this day, Henry Farman not only performed the 1^st cross-country flight in Europe, but also the 1^st flight between two towns. (AYY)

Participating in challenges is always fascinating especially if a target has been set for participants to achieve. Going back to 1909, it is on this day that Claude Moore-Brabazon won a £1,000 prize offered by the Daily Mail for a circular flight of one mile. (AYY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today in 1917, we are putting all our focus on the DH-4. An American-built DH-4 flew on this day for the 1^st time. (AYY)

To learn more about how this plane of British origin made it across to USA and acted as a base for many bombers that came after, you may be interested in reading this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming together as people of the same interest is one of the most inspiring things that keeps dreams burning and sets the ball always rolling. Back in 1914, Aviators in Melbourne formed an Australian Aero Club. (AYY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going back to 1909, let’s talk about being a passenger. This is something we always do and currently is just very commonplace. Just imagine you were the first passenger….I would really feel great. So did Mrs. Ralph van Denman feel when she flew for four minutes with Wilbur Wright at College Park, Maryland, becoming the U.S.'s 1^st female passenger. (AYY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, back in 1907, is another record breaking and setting day in history. On this day back then, Henry Farman flew his Voisin Farman I flying machine just under 2,530 feet, breaking the world distance record. (AYY). Henri Farman was of British origin(the family was British though he was born in Paris) but took French nationality in 1937. He was a pilot, aviator and aircraft manufacturer with his brother Maurice.

This Wikipedia link can help you learn more about this artist-turned aviator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may be wondering how such a day in 1939 looked like. Today in 1939, the prototype Handey Page Halifax (serial no. L7244) made its first flight from RAF Bicester with J.L.B.H. Cordes at the controls. (F&F)

More information about this bomber is available here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, we are going back to 1912. It is on this day then that Harry Hawker won the British Empire Michelin Cup for endurance. He flew for over 8 hours in a Burgess-Wright airplane. (AYY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to 1906, on this day, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont made the 1^st sustained airplane flight in Europe in his own airplane, the N° 14 bis. (AYY)