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McDowall Monoplane

In the early days of flying it was not unusual for aviation enthusiasts to design, build, and fly their own airplanes. The McDowall Monoplane was built in a carriage shop between 1912 and 1915, but made only a few short hops and was then stored. Two school boys attempted alterations in 1916-17. After 1920 a new owner removed the wings and fitted skis to use it as an ice scooter near Durham, Ontario. It was resold in 1954 and again stored.

Due to the builder’s lack of airplane design experience, the aircraft was tail-heavy and had no provision for lateral control. This failing was recognized by the school boys who in 1917 cut pieces out of the wings in an attempt to install ailerons . The boys also tried to improve the performance of the used three-cylinder, air-cooled Anzani engine, but the aircraft never flew again.

Museum Example

The Museum purchased the McDowall in 1967 and restored it in 1984–86. It is on display as the oldest surviving Canadian-built aircraft.

Specifications

Wing Span:
8.4 m (27 ft 6 in)
Length:
6.6 m (21 ft 6 in)
Height:
2.3 m (7 ft 5 in)
Weight, Empty:
Unknown
Weight, Gross:
Unknown
Cruising Speed:
Unknown
Max Speed:
Unknown
Rate of Climb:
N/A
Service Ceiling:
N/A
Range:
N/A
Power Plant:
one Anzani, 25 hp, fan-type engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.