Large Fierce Mammal

On 30 September 1907, the Aerial Experiment Association was signed into existence at Halifax, Nova Scotia for the purpose of, “…carrying on experiments relating to aerial locomotion….” Signatories to the Association’s Charter were Alexander Graham Bell, G. H. (Glen) Curtiss, F. W. (Casey) Baldwin , J. A. Douglas McCurdy, and Thomas Selfridge. Pictured above are the charter members (photo courtesy of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site of Canada.) They were on a mission to bring the “F” word to Canada, and as everybody knows, the “F” stands for “Flight“.

A powerful player in the inception and ongoing operation of the AEA was Bell’s wife, Mabel Hubbard Bell, (right) who both suggested the forming of the group and, being independently wealthy herself, financed its activities.

It is safe to say that without the backing of a good woman, Canada’s entrance into the world of flight would have been significantly delayed. The forming of the AEA brought some phenomenal talents together in the same place to share ideas and work toward a common goal.

Most of the AEA’s experirments were based out of the Bell family estate of Beinn Bhreagh (pronounced “Ben BRAY-ah” meaning “beautiful mountain” in Gaelic) near Baddeck, Nova Scotia.

Pictured at left (from “Trial by Flyer” by Frank Wicks), and from left to right, are Casey Baldwin, J.A.D. McCurdy, Glenn Curtiss, Alexander Graham Bell, Lt. Tom Selfridge, and aviation pioneer Augustus Post. Note the crutches. Flying in those days, to say the least, had its risks.

In the course of its operations, the AEA built and tested five “aerodromes” as Bell called them:
- Aerodrome 1, “Red Wing” (1908)
- Aerodrome 2, “White Wing” (1908)
- Aerodrome 3, “June Bug” (1908)
- Aerodrome 4, “Silver Dart” (1909) pictured below right
- Aerodrome 5, “Cygnet” (1912)

On February 23, 1909, the Silver Dart piloted by J.A.D. McCurdy lifted off from a frozen inlet on Bras d’Or Lake at Baddeck, Nova Scotia, and flew a half mile ending in a controlled descent to a successful landing. The event marked the first flight of a heavier-than-air machine in Canada as well as in the British Empire. (Photo below left courtesy of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site of Canada).

After 300 flights, by which time the aircraft had more than amply been proven in its ability to remain aloft, manoeuvre, and land, Silver Dart was demonstrated to the Canadian Army. Due to pressure to fly in unfavourable conditions, the show ended badly so, notoriously leary of new fangled inventions, and doubtful of the future usefulness of such contraptions, the Army declined its adoption at the time.

The Canadian military has since changed its mind, and we’ve come a long way since Silver Dart.

Wearing both military and civilian hats, aviation has been a crucial tool in making it possible to forge a nation out of the expanse of sparsely populated and varied landscape called Canada.

As this series progresses, I will be presenting images of historically significant real world aircraft as well as virtual ones wearing liveries I have created to commemorate the centennial of powered flight in Canada. Using the applications “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004″, “X-Plane” by Laminar Research, and virtual aircraft developed by, and credited to, others, all paint schemes and logos that are to follow, unless stated otherwise, are my original work, are covered by copyright, and no reproduction, modification, or distribution is authorized without my express written consent.

With the legalities over with, stand by for some historically motivated eye candy. Many additions will be made as work progresses through this project, so keep an eye out.