A fine threequarter-front view of the replica aloft at Chek Lap Kok on November 15 last year. The logo of the Shell Oil Company, which generously donated HK$1 million towards its construction, is displayed prominently on the rudder.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Assembly of the Farman under way in the Kai Tak Government Flying Services hangar, with the assistance of HAECO apprentices. Note the single-acting ailerons, which hang down when the aircraft is static and “float” in the airflow over the wing when it is flying, until the pilot lowers one to raise a wing or bank in a turn.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

This underside plan view of the replica over Chek Lap Kok displays its boxkite configuration clearly.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

A close-up of Roger Freeman in the exposed pilot’s position, showing the minimal engine controls and the elevated passenger’s seat.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Roger Freeman rises to great heights over the uncompleted buildings of the new Chek Lap Kok Airport, which opened for business in July this year, relegating Kai Tak to the history books.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

The replica built by Vintage Aviation Services of Marion, Texas, shortly after completion, in all its tinted golden Dacron glory. The intermediate wing panels, where the detachable outer cellules join the centre section, have only a single surface. Registered N7498Y in the USA, it was re-registerd B-HMB in Hong Kong (the B- having superseded the colonial VR- upon the handover to China).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Timewarp: construction workers and a cameraman look on as Roger Freeman lifts off from the Chek Lap Kok runway to make the Farman's first flight from the site. The re-enactment took place on November 15 last year.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Following its moment of glory, the replica of Wanda was put on prominent display in the arrivals area in Chek Lap Kok’s vast terminal building. Note the dummy of Charles Van den Born - affectionately known as “Chuck”.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Chek Lap Kok’s new control tower provides an imposing backdrop as Roger Freeman taxies past.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

86 years of aviation progress is encapsulated in this study of the Farman in front of a Cathay Pacific Boeing 747.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747-400 - СШАUSA - 1988Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

A threequarter-rear view of the Farman flying under the power of its modern 150 h.p. Lycoming engine. The lack of any fixed fin surfaces is noteworthy.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Charles van den Born takes off from the tidal mud flats at Sha Tin on March 18, 1911, to make the first flight in the colony of Hong Kong. The structure on the left is a special mat-shed built for the Governor, Sir Frederick Lugard, and his party, who had departed by the time the flight took place.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Charles Van den Born’s modified Farman IV outside its matting hangar at Sha Tin in 1911, with the inevitable crowd of curious onlookers - most of whom had doubtless never seen a flying machine before.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Charles van den Born at Lyons, France, in May 1910, the year that he obtained his French and Belgian pilot’s brevets. He was careful to present as smart an appearance as flying allowed, given the exposed pilot’s positions of the time.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Van den Born’s aircraft undergoes scrutiny by spectators of assorted nationalities displaying a curious mixture of pigtails, straw boaters and sola topis (and even one bowler hat). The aviator gave displays in Hong Kong for a month.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Farman Farman-IV - ФранцияFrance - 1910