On February 23, 1909, the Silver Dart took off over Bras d'Or Lake in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. This first powered flight forever changed the concept of travel for Canada. The way of the airs became a reality, and a sector of activity was born.
The Minister of Transport has established February 23 as National Aviation Day in Canada. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the pioneers of aviation and to honor the Canadians who make it safe for us to fly.
The original Silver Dart was built by the Aerial Experiment Association which Alexander Graham Bell had created. The first controlled flight of a powered aircraft in Canada was made on February 23, 1909 by the Silver Dart piloted by JAD McCurdy which took off from a frozen lake near Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Although the Silver Dart was an experimental aircraft, it was offered for purchase by the Canadian Army, but was unsuccessful for various reasons.
The Silver Dart has a "duck" configuration (elevator forward). Like most aircraft of the time, it did not have, it seems, great maneuverability. It was made of steel tubing, bamboo, electrical tape, wires, and wood. It was covered in rubberized silk used for balloons and had no brakes. The Museum's replica has a linen covering covered with a coating. The first flight with a passenger in Canada took place aboard the Silver Dart on August 2, 1909.
To learn more about this historic flight, click HERE
Photo: Canada Aviation and Space Museum
.png?1672853249250)
.png?1676488449034)
.jpg?1631734011669)
.png)
