The First Powered and Manned Flights

In 1901 the Germans had successfully flown their first powered airship, and there had been some work at Farnborough to assemble a large, sausage shaped balloon to make a British version. Cody was enrolled to the project and his engine was fitted in a boat-shaped hull under the balloon. Nulli-Secondus, the first British airship, flew from Farnborough to London and powered flight in UK was born.

In December 1903 the Wright Brothers made the first powered, manned flight of an aeroplane and the race was on to develop this type of machine. Cody obtained a French engine and attempted to fit it to one of his kites, but this proved unsuccessful and instead he started to build a machine similar to the Wright flyer.

Back at Farnborough, Cody continued to develop his machine and became the first man in the UK to build and fly his own powered aeroplane. Wilbur Wright was in France with a number of other enthusiasts. A few Officers and other well-to-do gentlemen went to France, learned to fly with them and purchased their own machines. By 1910 there were a small number of aeroplanes owned and operated by Army Officers who managed to persuade the War Office of their importance as aerial platforms for observation and reconnaissance.

A certain senior General stated words to the effect that the aeroplane would never be of use in war - but common sense prevailed and aeroplanes were purchased. The training of army pilots began at Larkhill, with the first hangars being approximately where the Stonehenge visitors car park is now - in fact the Bristol Aeroplane Sheds are still hidden in the trees on the north side. Netheravon was established as the first operational Army airfield for troops manoeuvring on Salisbury Plain, and Upavon was opened as The Central Avery Flying School. The Balloon and Kite Sections and Companies of the Royal Engineers were now joined by the aeroplanes and it was decided to create an Air Battalion. Aviation was here to stay and on 13 May 1912, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was born.