Norwegian aviation
celebrates its centennial anniversary in 2012
Published
01.02.2012
On 1 June 1912, Hans Fleischer Dons became the first Norwegian
to fly a motorized aircraft in Norway. The historic flight in
the plane named “Start”, took him from Gannestadjordet in Borre
near Horten, to Øra near Fredrikstad.
The name ”Start” was probably chosen carefully to highlight that
this was indeed the start – Norway’s start. Carl
Cederström from Sweden had already soared over the capital in
his Blériot in 1910, and it was rumoured that another Swede was
planning a similar stunt for the spring of 1912. A group of
young naval officers in Horten felt enough was enough, and Dons
was among them. They quickly got major newspapers on board and
managed to raise enough funds to complete Norway’s first
motorized flight.
”Start” was a Rumpler Taube aircraft, purchased in Germany. It
was a wood and steel wire construction, with canvas wings. Its
cruising altitude over the Oslo fjord was estimated to 600
meters. Dons did not have a pilot’s licence, and he had received
only limited training beforehand. The flight went well, however,
and 18 minutes later, Dons landed safely at Øra near Fredrikstad.
On 7 June, he also completed the first official flight at
Øra. Norway had taken flight!
Centennial celebration 2012
The 2012 centennial will be celebrated in various ways across
the country. The Aviation Museum will open a new, temporary
exhibit with aircraft, movies and pictures. In addition, various
events, such as family Sundays, lecture nights and the national
aviation seminar in February will be dedicated to the centennial
celebration. “Start” was also the first Norwegian military
aircraft, and the Defence Museum is planning a big celebration,
not least on the actual day of the centennial, 1 June 2012.
"Start" crashed in Horten in 1914 and was
completely rebuilt, but was so heavily modified
that it was renamed ”Start 2”. It is currently
on display at the Norwegian Armed Forces
Aircraft Collection at Gardermoen.
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Before take-off at Gannestadjordet in Borre on 1
June 1912.
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On 7 June 1912, Dons completed the first
official flight at Øra in Fredrikstad. He took
flight twice, first alone, and on his second
flight he brought Captain Tank-Nielsen along as
a passenger.
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