Aeroplane Monthly 1989-11

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G.Pullan - Channel challenge

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
An evocative shot of Bleriot XI G-AVXV over the English Channel, with Gloria Pullan at the controls, during the 80th anniversary re-enactment on the morning of July 25, 1989. The White Cliffs of Dover, visible in the background, were to prove tantalisingly out of reach.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
The Bleriot sets off from Calais on July 25, 1989.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
With power failing, G-AVXV sinks inexorably towards the waters of the English Channel.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
As G-AVXV is wheeled out for take-off from Calais on the morning of July 25, 1989, Gloria waves farewell to the Daily Mail’s camera. The major sponsor for the 1989 re-enactment, the Daily Mail had offered a £1,000 prize in 1908 for the first successful cross-Channel flight, won by Louis Bleriot the following year.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
In happier mood on the day before the attempt, Louis Bleriot sits in another Bleriot XI (brought from the Dutch National Motor Museum for static display) in Dovers Connaught Park during celebrations organised by Duckhams Oils, which marked the 80th anniversary by sponsoring the restoration of the Bleriot memorial in Northfall Meadow, the site of the 1909 landing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
With early morning mist still lying in the fields, G-AVXV lifts off from Marek Airfield, three miles inland from Calais, at the beginning of the Channel attempt.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
Meanwhile Louis Bleriot (grandson) watches anxiously from an accompanying helicopter - fortunately unaware that Gloria cannot swim (she only admitted this to him during a subsequent BBC radio programme).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
G-AVXV shortly after taking off into a pink sunrise from Marek Airfield. Calais.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
The Bleriot climbs away into a Hollywood sunrise and sets course for Dover. Most of the flight was made at about 1,100ft, because of the proximity of a French TV helicopter whose down wash could have caused control problems for G-AVXV.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
The Bleriot's fuselage is wheeled along Dover seafront after recovery. It was promptly put on display at Selfridges in London, where the original cross-Channel aircraft was exhibited in 1909.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
Pilot Gloria Pullan smiles from the cockpit of Bleriot XI G-AVXV (not G-AVXE as previously reported) at Old Warden on the day of its first post-refurbishment hop, June 16, 1989.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
Gloria is winched clear of the ditched Bleriot by a Sea King helicopter from RAF Manston. The rotor downwash turned G-AVXV over, but the large expanded-polystyrene buoyancy “brick” behind the seat (visible just above the waterline) helped keep the aircraft afloat until it could be recovered.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
Louis Bleriot sits atop G-AVXV’s aft fuselage as the aircraft is pulled onto the beach at Dover, contemplating the watery conclusion of the project that had taken him 3yr to plan.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-AZIN [13], G-AVXV [13]
The Bleriot comes to rest on ditching in the Channel 42min into the flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bleriot Bleriot-XI - ФранцияFrance - 1909

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