moisant

1909 Fact: Magician Harry Houdini bought a Voisin Biplane in Germany and barnstormed in Australia.

In 1910, three companies held exhibitions in the United States: the Wright Exhibitions Company, the Curtis Exhibitions, and the Moisant Exhibitions. Much has been said about the Curtiss and Wright exhibitions; I will mention the Moisant exhibitions.

Moisant was born in 1868 and was considered a leader in his family. Moisant’s brothers were in trouble in San Salvador and were imprisoned. Moisant enrolled in Louis Bleriot’s flying school in Paris. He quickly became an ardent pilot. I assumed Moisant was a little rich. On August 24, 1910, he bought a brand-new Bleriot monoplane. John Moisant decided to take the first international flight from Paris to London. Six miles from London, Moisant’s

engine quit on him. Not to give up, he flew again and made the flight on September 6, 1910. He won the London Daily Mail trophy. He crossed the channel with his mechanic.

Moisant left Paris for the United States. With many of Europe’s best pilots.

Moisant went South with expedition pilots. He formed the Moisant Expedition.

Moisant visited many southern states and cities. They gave thousands of rides. He later died in a storm.