Action! The Salis Bleriot beating-up the cameramen at La Ferte during the filming of the Spy and Reconnaissance Aircraft episode of Uden Associates’ Classic Aircraft series for Channel 4 television.

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

The Salis Bleriot in flight at La Ferte, with the forward-facing camera prominent on the rear cross-member.

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

The expert: another TV still of the author being interviewed at La Ferte.

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

The Salis Bleriot XI being assembled at La Ferte on the boiling hot morning of August 11, 1998. M Jean Salis, head of the collection, is the one without a shirt.

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

Jean-Claude Guyot and Jacques Cazeaux fiddle with the MF Bleriot for the benefit of the cameras. Behind soundman Alistair is the Breguet XIX Point d’Interrogation.

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

With both wings attached for the first time, the Memorial Flight Bleriot at least looked like an aeroplane. The standard of workmanship and attention to detail is obvious.

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

For the second flight the camera was mounted on the rear fuselage, pointing forward.

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

Every aspect of the assembly was filmed in great detail and stifling heat. Note the trestle holding up the MF Bleriot’s port wing, and the replica Hotchkiss gun.

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

With suitably-attired passenger and rear pylon-mounted camera running, the Bleriot had to wait for the main camera to reposition before take-off at La Ferte.

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