HM.293 FLYING FLEA PLANS

Afascinating item in our archive perfectly complements the HM.293 Flying Flea aircraft G-AXPG. It was generously donated to the LAA by its builder Bill Cole for use as a display and training airframe, particularly providing a chance for trainees to learn wood and fabric restoration techniques on a genuine classic design.

The original Flying Flea was the brainchild of Henri Mignet, the first man to really encapsulate the concept of amateur homebuilding for the masses. In 1935 and 1936, his book, Le Sport de l’Air, was an international bestseller and dozens of projects were started.

Mignet’s original HM.14 design, however, proved aerodynamically flawed. Due to the close proximity of the two tandem wings, in certain configurations the rear wing would overcome the control power of the forward airfoil, creating an uncontrollable nose-down pitch leading to several fatal accidents.

However, what is less well known, is that the Flea flew on. The design was refined and, on the Continent in particular, a significant number were built. One of those behind this renaissance was the Belgian builder Odilon Dubois, who printed a series of journals under the title of L’Aeronef, including a set of plans for the later HM.293.

At the time of printing in 1946, this booklet and the drawings cost the princely sum of 40 Belgian Francs or five shillings in the UK. Today, thanks to the efforts of LAA archivist Stuart Macconnacher, facsimile copies are available from the LAA Shop. The price is £10 – a bargain! Steve Slater

Having built a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of light aircraft fuel system components within the amateur-build aircraft sector, Andair has now established a significant presence in the commercial aviation market as well.