14th December 2007 BRITIANS FIRST AEROPLANE TO FLY AGAIN.
The Solent Sky Museum have successfully launched their tribute to Britain's first aviator by unveiling the progress on the Cody Flyer replica at Hawker Restorations. Samuel Cody was the first man in Britain to achieve sustained powered flight on 16th October 1908. The Replica is due to fly in 2008 to mark one hundred years of British aviation. The airframe section and dismantled engine were unveiled on to the press on the 30/10/07. The engine, a 1906 Antoinette has been kindly loaned by the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden. This is one of only four known Antoinette engines in the world, when flying it is believed this will be the oldest airworthy aero engine. Tony Ditheridge from Hawker Restorations (who have been contracted to undertake the construction of the aircraft) was on hand to explain the airframe and show off the high level of workmanship in the already constructed parts. Although on a tight timescale he stated that he saw no reason why the project won't make the deadline of September 2008 when it will be flown at the Goodwood Revival Meeting. Alan Jones from Solent Sky unveiled the project stating that "this will mark the start of a procession of tributes to Britain's early aviators as the nation will celebrate 100 years of British aviation next year". Solent Sky has to raise over £200,000: for this project and are still looking for a major sponsor. It would be shameful if we could not celebrate in a meaningful way the achievements of this eccentric pioneer whose efforts inspired the British Aircraft industry.
