The amazing Edwardian BLéRIOT XI

The Blériot was the first aircraft type to fly across the English Channel in 1909.  Just two 'operational' Blériots exist in New Zealand and you'll see them both operating at their Omaka base over Easter 2023! The second Blériot (pictured) was built in Canterbury but has since been purchased by an Omaka based group and is now based here permanently. You'll see these bizarre machines in action with a collection of veteran cars, penny farthing bicycles and other aircraft during the 'Pioneer Race', a uniquely Omaka event that brings a bit of carnival to the airshow.
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February 2021, saw the arrival from Canterbury of the flyable Blériot monoplane replica, which had been purchased by a locally established syndicate with a view to long-term operation from the Omaka Airfield.
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Built by Gert van Kruiningen, who still retains shares in the aircraft, it had managed a short ‘hop’ at the 2017 air show but engine problems prevented anything more adventurous. The project began in 2002 and although the aircraft was completed structurally six years ago, the 95-year-old five-cylinder, American Velie engine had not been running reliably. Due to the lack of documentation on the engine and the scarcity of parts (many of which had to be made from scratch) it was a long process ironing out the bugs. It was also discovered that the propellor was not producing enough thrust, so a new locally built example was made and fitted to the aircraft.  It was with much celebration that on 30th March 2019, the Blériot, lifted off the grass and flew a full trouble-free circuit.

This Blériot has played a key role in the ‘Pioneer Transport Race’ at Classic Fighters, and now that Omaka's home, we’re thrilled that it'll be here for many airshows to come.
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Image: An Omaka-based Blériot - Photo by Errol Cavitt. 

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About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.