The Blériot XI is a French aircraft from the pioneer era of aviation. The first example was used by Louis Blériot to make the first flight across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft, on 25 July 1909. This is one of the most famous accomplishments of the pioneer era of aviation, and not only won Blériot a lasting place in history but also assured the future of his aircraft manufacturing business. The event caused a major reappraisal of the importance of aviation; the English newspaper The Daily Express led its story of the flight with the headline "Britain is no longer an Island".
Blériot XI
Blériot XI as first built: note small "teardrop" profile fin on dorsal cabane
Lucien Chauvière, designer of the Integrale propeller for the Blériot XI.
Blériot over the English Channel, 25 July 1909
Aviation in the pioneer era
The pioneer era of aviation was the period of aviation history between the first successful powered flight, generally accepted to have been made by the Wright Brothers on 17 December 1903, and the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914.
Vue du Pont de Sèvres, painted in 1908 by Henri Rousseau
Wilbur Wright gliding, October 1902
Photo of Santos-Dumont's 12 November 1906 aileron-fitted Quatorze-Bis, for its concluding series of flights before retirement.
Henri Farman winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation, 13 January 1908