X
•Our 2023 Season: •Air Shows Jun 17-Oct 15, •Museum May 1- Oct 31, •Biplane Rides TBA. •The High Flyers Gala is May 20-Get Your Tickets Early •The Latest News on Aero-Log •Help Us Acquire a Rare Engine
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
  • The Collection
  • Contact Us
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Old Rhinebeck Aerorome Logo

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

We’re Living History and Family Fun

  • Gala
  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate

Demoiselle

Back to 1896-1913 - Pioneer Era

photo of a Demoiselle airplane on display

Demoiselle

  • : France
  • : 1909
  • : Dutheil Chalmers
  • 35
  • 18 ' 6"
  • 56 mph (90 km/hr)
  • 315 lbs (143 kg)

  • : Static Exhibit
  • 19 '
  • : Reproduction

The Santos-Dumont “Demoiselle” is a typical example of vintage aviation technology. With a wingspan of 19 feet and a 35 HP engine, the Demoiselle is considered one of the world’s first ultralight aircraft. Alberto Santos-Dumont of Brazil made the first officially observed powered, controlled flight in Europe in 1906 with his canard “14-bis” aircraft. The flight, in France, covered a distance of 722’. 

In 1907 he designed and built the Demoiselle (nicknamed the “infuriated grasshopper”) using bamboo extensively. He made plans available and many were built around the globe. Instead of a conventional control stick placed in front of the pilot, one was located behind the seat and the pilot would slip into the Demoiselle sliding the control stick into a pocket sewn into the back of the flight suit. Leaning to the left or right actuated the wing warping system thus banking the aircraft while in flight. The Demoiselle is an excellent example of a pioneer aircraft demonstrating that aircraft design was still in its infancy, and that standardized methods of control had not yet been developed.

Dumont established a relationship with jeweler Louis Cartier. When he found accessing his pocket watch to monitor his flight time was somewhat inconvenient, he discussed this with Cartier who developed the concept of a wristwatch for men, an idea that Dumont popularized. Cartier continues to produce the “Santos” watch to this day.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome founder Cole Palen originally built this reproduction aircraft around 1957, The Demoiselle was expertly restored to its present condition by Dan Taylor in 1998.


Click for more information about the Demoiselle


Subscribe to our mailing list

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Things to do

  • Gala
  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate

Get involved

  • Donate
  • Education
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Facebook Fans
  • Volunteer at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Donating an Item
  • Our Generous Sponsors
  • WWI Aero Publications

About Us

  • Aero-Log
  • The Collection
  • About Cole and Rita Palen
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • About the Website

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Copyright © 2023
9 Norton Rd., Red Hook, NY 12571 (Driving Address)
PO Box 229, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (Mailing Address)
Telephone: (845)752-3200
Fax: 845-758-6481
info@oldrhinebeck.org