Pic(k) of the week 41: BLERIOT XI AT HAHNWEIDE - Homage to Mikael Carlson

It was in 2010 that I saw Mikael Carlson fly his 1909 Bleriot XI over the beautiful UAE desert dunes at the Al Ain for the first time. The event has left a great impression on me and today it is still my favorite airshow act. 

Three years later in 2013, I saw the Swedish pilot fly again at the Oldtimer Fliegertreffen (OTT) at Hahnweide near Stuttgart, Germany; Europes largest Vintage/Antique aircraft event! 


On September 13 this year, we flew our own 1954 Piper Super Cub for the second time to Hahnweide for the 19th edition of the OTT show; easily my favorite aviation event in Europe... 


There is something very special in camping under the wing of your vintage flyer with several hundred like minded people. Since space is limited, the event sold out about 3 months before; being one of the more than 400 participating aircraft was a blast!

Like most previous editions, Mikael was there again with two of his collection vintage planes; the early 20th century Bleriot XI and a World War I Fokker Dr.I Triplane. Especially on the first day of the show, when the crowd is still a little smaller, seeing him fly at sunset is pure magic. Clearly the highlight of going to Hahnweide!

Image details:
  • Fujifilm X-T3 with XF100-400 lens
  • ISO 160, 1/3000s, f9, 400mm
  • RAW file development in Lightroom Mobile (on iPad Pro)


Carlson's personal Blériot IV story remains an amazing one... After a 10 year search he found an original Blériot in a small barn in Sweden in 1986. The aircraft was completely dismantled and stored in small boxes. After a lengthy work of love, dedication and rebuilding a lot of the parts, he managed to fly his bird for the first time in 1991.

He found a second Blériot XI in Sweden in the early Nineties. Some parts, including the engine, were missing and although he was able to copy parts from his first Blériot, it took him 10 years to find the engine. The restoration work was finished in October, 2004. He now has two flying Blériot's!

More images of my visit to the Oldtimer Fliegertreffen at Hahnweide, can be found here



Remember: "When fears are grounded, dreams take flight- Anon

BJORN



Comments