Linda, I have little doubt that the film is authentic. I was unaware that it exists, but it seems to fit all of the facts that I am aware of. Wilbur did visit Europe during that time period with a Model A aircraft. While the Model A had two propellers (counter-rotating at that) it had only one engine so I would not vote for calling it a twin. Additionally, with all of the problems that today's aviation restorers had constructing Wright Brother's planes, I doubt that very many would successfully be able to have constructed the plane shown in the film -- which flew pretty well for 1908. Thank you for finding the film and posting the link. I enjoyed every frame of it.
John Roach N 2427H Linda Abrams wrote: > > Do we have any aviation historians on board who can tell whether this > film is authentic? It is on a European film archives web site, says > it is from 1909, showing Wilbur Wright doing a demonstration flight > in Italy. The aircraft carries 2 people and apparently has 2 engines > (2 props) -- which makes me wonder whether it is authentic. Were the > Wright Bros. building twins then? > > http://www.europafilmtreasures.eu/PY/322/see-the-film- > <http://www.europafilmtreasures.eu/PY/322/see-the-film-> > wilbur_wright_and_his_flying_machine' > > If it IS authentic, it's very exciting to see any motion picture of > the Wrights from so early. All the other pictures I have seen of > their early work are just stills. > > Linda > >
