Baddeck in Victoria County, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
The First Airplane Flight in Canada
Le premier vol d'avion au Canada
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 4, 2014
1. The First Airplane Flight in Canada Marker
On February 23, 1909, more than 100 people witnessed the first successful powered flight in Canada, as the Silver Dart lifted off the ice of Baddeck Bay and flew 800 metres. The biplane, piloted by J. A. D. McCurdy, reached a speed of 65 kilometres per hour and an altitude of about 9 metres before making a smooth landing. Designed and built by the Aerial Experiment Association, founded by Mabel and Alexander Graham Bell, the Silver Dart was the culmination of this group's pioneering aeronautical research. Their success heralded the age of aviation in Canada.
French:
Le 23 février 1909 a lieu le premier vol motorisé au Canada. Sous les yeux de plus de 100 personnes, le Silver Dart décolle de la surface glacée de la baie de Baddeck et parcourt une distance de 800 mètres. Le biplan, piloté par J. A. D. McCurdy, atteint une vitesse de quelque 65 kilomètres à l'heure et une altitude d'environ neuf mètres avant de se poser en douceur. Conçu et construit par l'Aerial Experiment Association, le Silver Dart marque l'apogée des recherches aéronautiques d'avant-garde de ce groupe fondé par Mabel et Alexander Graham Bell. Ce succès ouvre l'ère de l'aviation canadienne.
Erected by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada/Commission de lieux et monuments historique
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1895.
Location. 46° 6.199′ N, 60° 44.754′ W. Marker is in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, in Victoria County. Marker can be reached from Chebucto Street (Nova Scotia Route 205), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 559 Chebucto Street, Baddeck NS B0E 1B0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Park (a few steps from this marker); First Flight by a British Subject in the British Empire (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexander Graham Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Women, the War Effort and Winning the Right to Vote (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Canada's Hundred Days and Armistice 1918 (about 90 meters away); First Aeroplane Flight (approx. half a kilometer away); William Kidston (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); History of Baddeck (approx. 0.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baddeck.
More about this marker. This marker is mounted on the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site visitors centre building.
Also see . . . Silver Dart: Dawn of Flight in Canada - Historica Canada
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 4, 2014
2. The First Airplane Flight in Canada Marker
Library of Congress, circa 1909
3. The First Airplane Flight in Canada
J.A.D. McCurdy pilots the "Silver Dart" over Baddeck Bay in the first airplane flight in Canada, 23 February 1909
Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 30, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
