Specifications:
Wingspan: 28'6"
Length: 25'5"
Top Speed: 45 mph
Engine: 30 hp Anzani
Weight 661lbs.

On Loan: Friends for Long Islands Heritage, Sponsor: Alan Fortunoff

Paris, France, 1909

This original Bleriot, one of the oldest airplanes in the world, is perhaps the greatest treasure in the museum's collection. Although underpowered and unstable, like all early planes, this was the most famous and successful of the pioneer aircraft. Developed by Louis Bleriot in France, the type achieved fame when on July 25, 1909 Bleriot made the first aircraft crossing of the English Channel in one. This Bleriot, originally purchased by Rodman Wanamaker, was the first aircraft ever imported into America. Bleriot's were the most common aircraft seen on Long Island between 1910 and 1912 and they were also the first type of aircraft manufactured here. Bleriots were also the type of plane used by the Moisant School at Mineola, one of America's earliest flying schools.

Click here for information on the restoration of the Bleriot Type XI.