The 2008 Cody Celebrations

2008 marks the centenary of Samuel Franklin Cody's historic first powered flight which took place at Farnborough.

On 16 October 1908 Cody flew almost 1,400 feet in 27 seconds to an altitude of 30-40 feet in Army Aeroplane Number 1A.

This key moment in Farnborough's aviation heritage is being marked by a series of events.

1908 was also a significant moment in the development of aviation nationally and to coincide with this centenary the Royal Aeronautical Society has declared a year of celebrations under the banner '100 years of British Aviation.'  

These websites will help you learn more about Cody and the events that are being held to celebrate this significant centenary.

www.sfcody.org.uk

A brief summary, by Cody historian Jean Roberts, of the life and achievements of Samuel Franklin Cody (1867-1913), showman, kite developer and aviator. It also includes a bibliography.

www.airsciences.org.uk

The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) are playing a key role in the Cody centenary as well as continuing to promote Farnborough's aviation science heritage.

www.codyflyerproject.com

A major project by FAST to build a non-flying, full size replica of British Army Aircraft Number 1A in which Cody, on 16^th October 1908, made the first powered, controlled flight in the UK of a heavier than air machine.

www.hants.gov.uk/aldershot-museum

The Friends of Aldershot Military Museum are holding a special exhibition about Cody. "Britain's first flyer: a centennial celebration of the life and work of Samuel Cody, Rushmoor's aviation pioneer" will take place from Monday 29^th September to Wednesday 24^th December 2008. Cody tours are also being run by the Friends on Sundays in October (see the calendar below for details).

www.farnborough.com

The 2008 Farnborough International Airshow ran from 14^th – 20^th July and celebrated its 60^th anniversary at Farnborough. "The International Pioneers of Flight" pavilion, sponsored by BAE Systems, hosted the Cody, AVRO, Wright and Demoiselle flyers.

The Royal Aeronautical Society is commemorating 2008 as a watershed year for aviation took place in this country.

www.britishaviation100.com

A celebration of 100 years of British aviation took place at Brooklands Museum on 7 June 2008 with a particular emphasis on A.V. Roe.

www.royalmail.com/portal/stamps

On 17^th July 2008 the Royal Mail issued a set of special stamps celebrating airshows.