Bleriot Monoplane
Dayton, Ohio -- Bleriot Monoplane in restoration at the National Museum of the USAF on March 12, 2026. The Bleriot monoplane was an important early aircraft because of its inventor's notable exploits and the aircraft's role in early training and reconnaissance. It first achieved fame in 1909 when its designer, Louis Bleriot of France, piloted one on the first flight across the English Channel. (U.S. Air Force photo)