Pioneers

Went to an airshow held at the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire today.

Shuttleworth Collection

This is a unique place, with a collection of aircraft dating back to the very first types to take to the air. And they dont just sit there gathering dust - they actually fly them.

This is a 1909 Bleriot XI. It is THE oldest flying aircraft anywhere in the world. It only flies for very brief, straight "hops" and the conditions have to be perfect, i.e. very light winds, but it does get airborne. 98 years old, and still going. For an aviation nut like me, its enough to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.