The 1909 Wright "B" replica, built by Wright “B” Flyer Inc.

The 1909 Silver Dart replica.

Replicas of two aircraft that flew into the history books in 1909 will add a special dimension to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year. A Silver Dart replica from Canada and the American Wright "B" Flyer replica "Silver Bird" represent the dawn of aviation in the two nations, 100 years ago.

Both aircraft will arrive in Oshkosh before the convention and be on display throughout the week. The Silver Dart replica will be at the Federal Pavilion, located off of Wittman Road, west of the Homebuilt Area. Look for the Wright "B" Flyer replica on AeroShell Square's western extension throughout the week.

The Silver Dart replica is a reproduction of the original airplane that on February 23, 1909, made the first flight in the British Commonwealth at Baddeck Bay, Nova Scotia. Piloted by J.A. Douglas McCurdy, the Silver Dart was the product of the Aerial Experiment Association, a five-member group that included Alexander Graham Bell and Glenn Curtiss. The replica was built by Ed Lubitz and Mark Taylor over a period of eight months, with help from Jack Minor, Jim Tone, Bob McNickle and other aviation comrades. “It was built using the philosophy that we are building as accurate a flying replica of a 1909 Silver Dart aircraft as we can, with concessions to modern materials," Lubitz said.

The "Silver Bird" replica was built by Dayton, Ohio-based Wright "B" Flyer Inc., which already has two reproductions of the Wright's first production model. The Wright "B" Flyer group began the Silver Bird project in 2007 to provide an aircraft for international exhibitions. This replica is stressed for 3.8 positive Gs while maintaining the original Wright design with steel frames, wooden wing ribs and fabric covering.

For more information on the Silver Bird, visit www.wright-b-flyer.org.