This Day in Aviation: The AEA Silver Dart

On this day in aviation, the Aerial Experiment Association Silver Dart flew off of the Baddeck Bay in Nova Scotia on February 23rd, 1909. The flight marked the first controlled powered flight in the British Empire.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The plane was piloted by John McCurdy and powered by a Curtiss V-8, 35 horsepower engine. The wings of the aircraft were covered in silver Japanese silk, giving it the name the "Silver Dart." Interestingly enough, Alexander Graham Bell assisted in the design of the aircraft.

The Silver Dart achieved the honor of making the first passenger flight in Canada.

Unfortunately, the aircraft was later destroyed on its fifth flight in August of 1909 after a landing mishap.

Source: AEA Silver Dart