Not far from Bièvres and Paris, there is a historical site of aviation which I am going to visit: the old “École de Pilotage” fondé par Louis Blériot.
Even though its closed since 1970, you can find still the old gate and some evidences….
I am quite excited to go here…
Maybe a bit of History?
“On 25 July 1909, the aviator Louis Blériot achieved the feat of crossing the English Channel aboard Bleriot XI. With this notoriety, he chose Buc’s ground to create, within his Blériot-Aéronautique company, a particular site, close to Paris, for aircraft testing and pilot training. On the model of the success of Port-Aviation in Viry-Châtillon, he also wishes to be able to present air shows. The site, inaugurated on November 13, 1912, includes a main building, headquarters of the flying school, also serving as a hotel for pilots and pilot apprentices, preceded by a monumental door, signal visible from afar. Sheds and a huge platform complete the device.” (see Fondation du Patrimoine).
The site was very active during the first World War, but the death of Louis Blériot in 1936 showed the end of an era. It was occupied and bombed in the second World War and in 1970 it closed.
Today
There is still the renovated door with its sign. But thats about it.
Due to the centenary of the crossing of the Channel, in 2009, Buc installed the work “Buc through the aviation which is fun to visit.
Buc through aviation
There is a gallery which famous pilots. Especially the photo of Adrienne Bolland, the French test pilot and the first woman to fly over the Andes between Chile and Argentina, catches my attention!
Wow – I am sitting on a Mirage III
The society SECAMIC offered also a Mirage III to the community of Buc during the centenary in 2009. Very impressive, eh? Maybe one day I am sitting in one!!!
