top of page
Homepage Aircraft Hangar Icon
>  COLLECTION   >  AIRCRAFT  >  VINTAGE   >  Ferguson Flyer

Ferguson Flyer 1911

Ferguson Flyer 1911 (Flying) Replica, seen on the three-part BBC documentary series "The Great-Flying-Challenge" during 2016, pictured here in the main Ulster Aviation Society' hangar with a Ferguson MK3 Tractor

Image: MARK J. CAIRNS

Ferguson Flyer 1911 (Flying) Replica, at Newtownards, Co. Down (July 2017). Image: Stephen Riley

Image: STEPHEN RILEY

The Ferguson Flyer 1911 Replica was created during 2015-2016 for a three-part BBC documentary TV Series called "The Great Flying Challenge”, hosted by Dick Strawbridge.

The original aircraft was built in 1911 by Co. Down inventor Harry Ferguson, best known for his inventive and pioneering work with agricultural tractors, was the first person to design, build and fly his own powered aircraft in Ireland.

Harry Ferguson beside his original Ferguson Flyer in 1911

The replica was created thanks to the hard work of a small team of dedicated aviation enthusiasts mainly within the Ulster Aviation Society and the Ulster Gliding Club, including the Ulster Aviation Society’s volunteers, the late Stephen Lowry and pilot William McMinn, who flew the aeroplane briefly (but successfully) from the Ulster Gliding Club’s airfield at Bellarena, near Limavady – the same location used by Harry Ferguson just over a century ago.

A triumphant pose... but folks, it wasn't all that easy! UAS Pilot William McMinn (left), with TV presenter Dick Strawbridge after the flight in the Ferguson Flyer Replica for the BBC TV Series, "The Great Flying Challenge".

Image: CHARLES McQUILLAN

Ferguson Flyer 1911 Replica, taking off during filming of the BBC documentary series "The Great Flying Challenge"

Image: CHARLES McQUILLAN

Ferguson Flyer 1911 Replica on the day the BBC handed it over to the UAS

Image: MARK J. CAIRNS

BBC documentary series 'The Great Flying Challenge' page from BBC iPlayer
Manufacturer:  Harry Ferguson
​
Model: Ferguson Flyer 1911 (Flying) Replica
​
UAS Location: Hangar 1
​
Maximum Speed:  TBC
​
Engine: Rotax
​
Length & Height: TBC
​
Wing Span: TBC
bottom of page