Vintage Biplanes And Aviators

Historical photographs of early biplanes and aviators, capturing the adventurous spirit and pioneering days of aviation in a classic black and white style.

James Frederick Cane by a biplane. From the album: James Cane photograph album, 1929, New Zealand, maker unknown.

Photograph of Claude Grahame-White (1879-1959) an English pioneer of aviation, in a racing biplane at Hendon. Dated 20th Century

Friendly Tips For Aerial Daredevils.Al Wilson, daredevil aviator-actor, has many "Donts" for aspiring youngsters who would follow in his footsteps. Wilson has performed many thrillers before the camera, and says that one thing the daredevil should never do is lose his grip on the supporting wires of the airplane while up in the air. April 27, 1925. (Photo by International Newsreel Photos).

Collection 558 pH. C. Visser. Dutch ambulance in Sint-Petersburg. A double-deck aircraft is pushed in position for a start by ground staff. 1916

Hauptmann R.Stoisavljevic with a fellow card. .

James Frederick Cane by a biplane. From the album: James Cane photograph album, 1929, New Zealand, maker unknown.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A clear medium close up of soldiers working on Cody aircraft mark IA. This aircraft was the rebuilt version of the original aircraft in which Cody made his first flight. The main difference between that and the mark IA was the addition of the biplane lifting tail and moving the front rudder to behind the elevator. Particularly with his earlier aircraft Cody made constant adjustments to the arrangement of the flying surfaces, often after crashes, in order to obtain better performance and handling. These changes mean that identifying specific sub-marks of Cody aircraft can at times be very difficult, it should also be remembered that because of this constant evolution of his aircraft Cody would probably not have classified them in such a detailed manner.

Men in airplane. Fédèle Azari (Italian, 1895 - 1930)

12/31/1916. Aviation in War. Return to your Shed, in Thessaloniki, of a French hydrofoil.

Man in front of airplane. Fédèle Azari (Italian, 1895 - 1930)

Airplane FVM J 23 During landing on Malmen, 1920s Motifs: Airplane FVM J 23 marked number 3111 from the flight company during landing on the ore.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A Breguet two seater biplane about to have its engine started.

Elsevier photo collection. The vickers vimy bomber, Australian flyer captain Ross Smith, brother Keith Mechaniciens, Wally Shiers Jim Bennett, flew 28-daily flight London Australia location unknown. 1920

Germany -- Captured British Plane -- BE Type

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody sat in the cockpit of Cody aircraft mark V with passengers. With the help of his family and friends Cody built the mark V mainly from the remains of the mark III in just four weeks, after both the aircraft that he intended to enter in the trials were written off. It was powered by the 120 hp Austro-Daimler engine which was relatively unscathed from the crashes it had been in. Note the triangular rudders similar to those on the monoplane. It was with this machine that Cody won both the International Division and the British Division (£5000 prize in total) of the 1912 military trials, a competition to find an aircraft for the army. 32 machines were entered from 21 companies in a series of tests. These tests covered areas such as rate of climb, speed (both fast and slow), glide angle, landing distance, time of assembly and ability to fly in a high wind. The aircraft had to meet certain other criteria such as having dual control and room

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Medium close up view of a pilot and passenger sat in a Bleriot monoplane. A large crowd of spectators is stood in the background.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A clear view of Cody aircraft mark V on the ground. Both wing tips are out of shot. With the help of his family and friends Cody built the mark V mainly from the remains of the mark III in just four weeks, after both the aircraft that he intended to enter in the trials were written off. It was powered by the 120 hp Austro-Daimler engine which was relatively unscathed from the crashes it had been in. Note the triangular rudders similar to those on the monoplane. It was with this machine that Cody won both the International Division and the British Division (GBP5000 prize in total) of the 1912 military trials, a competition to find an aircraft for the army. 32 machines were entered from 21 companies in a series of tests. These tests covered areas such as rate of climb, speed (both fast and slow), glide angle, landing distance, time of assembly and ability to fly in a high wind. The aircraft had to meet certain other criteria such as having

Kiingsford Smith plane Oxford to Australia. May 17, 1931.

"Channel Wing" Aircraft - Frank D. Kelley, Hagerstown, MD., commercial photographer and president of National Aircraft Corporation, sits at the controls of an unusual aircraft with "Custer Channel Wings", which resemble halves of barrels. Kelley has flown the craft on several brief flights, According to its inventor, Willard R. Custer. July 21, 1948. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

388 Aviation. April 10, 1930.

Albatros Nab 9 with crew, on ore . Airplane Albatros Nab 9 marked number 756 set up on bending with crew in place, on the airplane company on the ore.

Two men in front of aircraft Bréguet 14 B2 . Two French participants at international aviation exhibition in Gothenburg 1923 (ILUG) standing in front of aircraft Bréguet 14 B 2. The aircraft marked number 20453.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody glider kite. A man is stood at either wing tip, with the one on the port side possibly being Cody, another man in uniform is stood between them. This glider was an important step forward in Cody's eventual progression to building his first aeroplane. He and his sons Vivian and Leon flew the glider Successfully many times however in September of 1905 Vivian was involved in a serious accident with the glider plunging sideways to the ground from around fifty feet. Vivian was in hospital for nearly three months and another six months recuperating at home. After this Cody concentrated on powered flight with the design of his aircraft more resembling his kites than his glider.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War An SE 1 biplane on the ground.

Airplane, the drone on the ground aircraft Phönix E 2 Dron on the ore,

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Medium close of men working on a two seater Breguet Biplane. The balloon sheds can be seen in the background.

Commander Samson arrives at Southsea after flying from Eastchurch. Mooring the hydroplane

Francesco de pinedo and ernesto campanelli on s.16 ter, 1925

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War- the work of Samuel Franklin Cody in Airship, Kite and Aircraft Aeronautics 1903 - 1913 Cody Aircraft Mark II in flight over Laffan's Plain near Aldershot. S F Cody won his first Michelin Trophy in this aircraft. S F Cody built the Mark II in 1910 after his previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of the Mark II was broadly similar to the Mark I although its wingspan was shorter and the overall wing area reduced. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never implemented. As a result, the Mk II was underpowered requiring alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight to address the problem. When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in January 1912 carried Cody and four passengers. It was eventually crashe

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark IC (Cathedral - so named because of its size and the size of the hangar it required and the katahedral (lower at the wing tips) arrangement of the wings) in flight quite close to the ground, Cody can clearly be seen in the cockpit. The most important change made with this mark was moving the pilots seat to in front of the engine. The aircraft was altered several more times, here the additional elevators at the side of the central one (which has now been split in two down the centre) are missing, the rudder is in the original position above the elevator, a tail skid and balancing planes have been added between the wings on the rear outer struts. Particularly with his earlier aircraft Cody made constant adjustments to the arrangement of the flying surfaces, often after crashes, in order to obtain better performance and handling. These changes mean that identifying specific sub-marks of Cody aircraft can at times be very di

86 De Havilland Planes - General Aviation. November 2, 1936. (Photo by Courier-Mail).

Men working on a biplane. From the album: James Cane photograph album, circa 1930s, New Zealand, maker unknown.

Brzezany: Am Flugplatz I .

Cirrus "Bluebird" - England. Cirrus injured Bluebird similar to that used by ***** victor Bruce. January 14, 1931.

Atwood rising plane

He first flew in an old-type biplane and decided it was too windy and uncomfortable to ever become popular with passengers. November 07, 1951.

Orville Wright's biplane on Tempelhofer field in Berlin.

Aircraft's 6 number 390 stands on a field. Aircraft's 6 number 390 stands on a field.

What Flew in 1910 Flies in 1940Cleu Hankamp flying a Curtiss Pusker of the vintage of 1910, over the city recently. The picture is of particular interest when the plane is compared to the present-day steamlined birds of the air. January 6, 1940. (Photo by Wide World Photos).

The picture shows the mechanism for folding the aircraft wings back on an English Handley Page Bombers.Original text: Conquered English Handley-PAGE Flyer with the left carrying surface reclam.Even the aeroplan was now used by German fighter pavilers. "The image shows the mechanism for lowering the aircraft wings on an English Handley Page Bombers' Original Text: Conquered English Handley-PAGE Flyer with the left carrying surface. Even the aeroplan was now used by German fighters.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A port threequarter rear view of an SE 1 biplane on the ground.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark III on Laffan's Plain. Cody and others are swinging one of the starboard rudder and spar into position. Cody built this aircraft for the Daily Mail Circuit of Britain race for which there was a GBP10,000 first prize. The mark III was smaller and lighter than Cody's previous aircraft with this compensating for the relatively low power output of the Green engine. It followed a similar design and was fitted with twin rear rudders. There were 32 entrants for the race from Britain and Europe with 21 actually starting the race. Cody was the only pilot / designer / constructor in the race with many of the other entrants being internationally known, professional pilots backed up by factory teams of mechanics, engineers, riggers and the like. The circular route was around 1000 miles in length beginning on the 22nd July 1911 at Brookland's with pilots stopping off at places such as Hendon, Harrogate, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow

Airplane Friedrichshafen FF 49C in the air. Noticed no. 26. Aircraft Friedrichshafen FF 49C in the air. Noticed no. 26.

British Warplanes For Yugo-Slavia -- The first of a considerable batch of Hawker Fury fighters (Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine) under test for the Yugo-Slavian government. Maximum speed of these formidable defensive aircraft is more than 250 miles an hour. February 04, 1937.;British Warplanes For Yugo-Slavia -- The first of a considerable batch of Hawker Fury fighters (Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine) under test for the Yugo-Slavian government. Maximum speed of these formidable defensive aircraft is more

39J Japanese Flying Boat. December 28, 1938. (Photo by J. P. L. Photo).

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark IV Monoplane on the ground with Cody stood in shirt sleeves next to it along with a group of onlookers. Cody built this aircraft specifically for the 1912 military trials. This single engine tractor design, radically different from his previous ones was significantly quicker and more manoeuvrable than the aircraft he had built before, though this was partly because of the more powerful Austro-Daimler engine which had been transferred from the mark IIE aircraft. Note the unusual tail arrangement with twin elevators and rudders. The Cockpit was semi enclosed with two side by side seats. Also note the aircraft's large size compared to other contemporary monoplanes. Approximately four weeks before the trials (sources disagree on the exact date) Cody struck a cow whilst attempting to make a forced landing after an engine cut out. Cody was thrown clear, largely unhurt, but the cow was killed and the aircraft, ap

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Breguet biplane (F 2) on the ground with handlers.

Two spectators studying the quaint round wings of the machine before the trial flight.The "Umbrella Plane" It has only wing, is designed to travel at 135 M.P.H, and can almost land in the backyard, say the inventors, two Chicago men. May 07, 1934. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Aircraft's 6 stands on an airfield Aircraft's 6 stands on an airfield, winter time. View from the side.

Hangar of the 16.flyer compatature. .

Handley Page folded up ready for the hangar, Andover Aerodrome, 30 July 1918

Capt. Wilkins Flies Across The North Pole -- The Lockheed-Vega Monoplane taking off from Fairbanks Alaska, with Capt. George H. Wilkins and Lt. Eleson in the cockpit, on their first leg of flight across the North Pole. It became known that they flew from point barrow and landed at Baldmansocira Island in the Arctic Zone. Remained on the Island five days and hopped again landing at Salford, Denmark. June 24, 1928. (Photo by M-G-M News).

Photograph of Maurice Farman's biplane. Maurice Farman (1877-1964) an Anglo-French Grand Prix motor racing champion, an aviator, and an aircraft manufacturer and designer. Dated 20th Century

Hucks Starter and Vought VE-7

French Flyer Robert Esnault. The image was published in Hvar 8 Day, 1907.

Getting into a Spin Description: "FE8 Getting into a spin". Experimental aeroplane in the air having taken off from the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough in Hampshire. Date: World War One airplane, aircraft, aviation, wwi, aeroplane, firstworldwar, farnborough, biplane, rfc, thegreatwar, royalaircraftestablishment, testflight, flighttest, royalaircraftfactory, royalflyingcorps, fe8, airministry, royalaircraftfactoryfe8

BRIARCLIFF, NY--Miss Amelia Earhart, the well-known pilot, tested out for the first time the Avro-Avian biplane which she bought from Lady Heath of England. It is the plane in which Lady Heath made her memorable trip over Africa recently. 1928.

Designed And Built In Brisbane - The Wicko Lion monoplane, a two-seater sports machine, designed and built in Brisbane by Mr. G.N. Wickner, a Brisbane pilot, who is a cousin to Mr. Edgar Percival, the Australian designer of the Percival Gull being used by the Mackay Expedition. The Wicko Lion successfully passed its flying tests at Archerfield at the week-end. It was built entirely by the pilot in his spare time. June 6, 1933. (Photo by Brisbane Daily Mail Ltd.)

Tore Sjöholm in flying machine. Rumple-Taube. 1912.

Vliegtuig van de Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke, Anonymous, 1919 photograph photographic support gelatin silver print aircraft, aeroplane

Fiat BR1 BOMBPLAN FIAT BR 1, marked 3406 on the ground.

Anefo photo collection. Repro Marvo aircraft. March 1, 1949

Sundstedt plane

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War An FE 2 pusher biplane fitted with floats instead of a conventional undercarriage, on the water. One man is sat in the cockpit whilst another inspects the propellor. The photograph is very grainy.

A Caproni Ca 133 aircraft in Novi Ligure, June 14, 1937, Italy, 20th century.

08/03/1920. Tarragona. Aircraft accident. Condition in which the aircraft of the Greco aviator was left after the violent landing in which, by Fortune, there were no personal misfortunes, the mechanic and the former mayor Mr. Guasch were passengers.

Image of an airplane at the Soesterberg airbase in Soesterberg (municipality of Soest).

Pilot Brain alongside the "Jason" after he had landed in it at Mascot. July 01, 1930

French aviator Jules Vedrines.

Anefo photo collection. "Seaotter" Life plane for the navy. March 23, 1950

Men sitting in the flying boat "Benoist": Saint Petersburg, Florida

01/31/1914. High altitude flight record with passengers - the aviator Garaiz who, with five passengers, has broken the world height record by rising to 2250 meters in Chartres.

Tom Sharkey

Anefo photo collection. "Seaotter" Life plane for the navy. March 23, 1950

French aviator Maurice Pr©vost.

388 Aviation. April 10, 1930.

'The Vickers-Armstrongs Walrus', 1941. Creator: Unknown.

James Frederick Cane climbing into plane black-and-white negatives

Barcelona, February 1910. The aviator Julien Mamet at the Barcelona airfield.

Side view of an airplane from the early 20th century. This particular aircraft is part of a series developed for military activities during World War One. The photograph was taken by photographer My on May 11, 1918. The airplane's identification number is 8834, and it is classified as the 1880D model.

CAZA Y 16 ATERRIZANDO. Location: EXPOSICION DE LA GUERRA CIVIL ESPAÑOLA. MADRID. SPAIN.

Bi-plane, 1920s to 1930s, New Zealand, by Roland Searle.

Phönix E 2 Dron lands on airfield . Airplane Phönix E 2 Dron lands on airfield. Flight haplets in the background.

10/01/1926. Brussels. In the Aviation field. The Kings of Belgium attended the other day the tests of a medical airplane to realize its conditions, Queen Elizabeth wished to be carried on a flight just as the wounded would be, and for this purpose she was placed on a stretcher, as it appears in This Recorded, This is how I make the Air trip.

Lèon delagrange. 1910.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark II in flight. Cody is waving to the camera whilst the aircraft is about to fly overhead. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in January 1912 carried Cody and four passengers. It was eventually crashed by Lieut. J N Fletcher on the 5th April whilst

Elsevier photo collection. The Vickers vimy bomber landing field Darwin (Australia), Australian flyer captain Ross Smith, brother Keith Mechaniciens, Wally Shiers Jim Bennett, flew 28-day flight London Australia. November 30, 1919. Australia, Darwin

October 15, 1921. Takeoff of the first commercial flight in Spain, which would link Seville with the city of Larache.

The channel flight. Blériot, July 25th 1909 French engineer and aviator, Louis Blériot seated in the cockpit of his wood and fabric airplane as he crosses the English Channel on his flight from Sangette, France, near Calais, to Dover Castle on July 25, 1909 in the first Channel crossing by air.

Wilhelm Kress's airplane of water. Wilhelm Kress (1836-1913) an aviation pioneer. Dated 20th Century

Fuelling the "Southern Cross Minor" with Plume from the Vacuum Oil Co's new Pylon Pump recently erected at Mascot Aerodrome, Sydney. November 5, 1931. (Photo by Milton Kent).

06/30/1915. At the Cuatro Vientos airfield. The Captain of Engineers, Mr. Eduardo Barrón, with the airplane of his invention, whose tests have been verified with excellent success before HM the King.

Airplane s 12 with floats on snow map aircraft 12 with floats at F 2 Hänernäs, winter time.

Detroit Cleveland airship

"SCHOOL OF MILITARY AERONAUTICS, LANGLEY FIELD, HAMPTON, VA. De Havilland pusher plane with English gnome motor. Photograph taken on November 5, 1918. The plane is identified as Jettariland 20. The image was captured by a photographer assigned to the School of Aerial Photography, Langley Field. Source: C.O., School of Aerial Photography, Langley Field, p.10, 1918."

Tronquoy (), France , 1916 - Regions at war Meuse, Haute -Marne, Oise, Somme - Stéphane Passet - (February -30 July) (French - Tronquoy ( ) , France). Plane, air transport, front, aviator, man, Transport, First World War, human beings

London Capetown Flight Starts -- The departure from Croydon.Mr.Alan J. Cobham, the distinguished British airman, who has flown 250,000 miles in Europe, Asia, and Africa, left London on an 8,000 mile flight to take him over unknown deserts and forests of Africa, is to report to Imperial Airways on the possibility of establishing a regular air line between London and Capetown. February 7, 1930. (Photo by Central News)

Armstrong Whitworth Scimitar. One of four for the Norweigian Army Air Services, September 1935

Aircraft Thulin C / SW 12 set up in Ljungbyhed. At Enoch Thulin's flight school.

Germany -- Dr. Geest Mowe type

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