Douzy 1912: The French Sky in Record Condition
- Published on 26/01/2026 10:09
On January 26, 1912, Douzy became the stage for aerial performances that would mark the history of aviation.
On a cold winter morning, the small airfield of Douzy, in the Ardennes, hosted a day that would be etched in history. Two French aviators, Léon Bathiat and Molla, were preparing to demonstrate the still unexplored limits of the very first powered airplanes. On this January 26, 1912, the sky of Douzy witnessed feats that combined speed, endurance, and audacity.
Léon Bathiat, seated in a Sommer monoplane, set off in pursuit of a world speed record. With his 70-horsepower engine, he covered 120 kilometers in less than 42 minutes, pushing the boundaries of aviation at the time. His flight impressed with precision and control, although a fuel shortage prevented him from extending his attempt further. This record solidified his reputation and placed Douzy on the map of historical aviation sites.
Meanwhile, Molla explored another challenge: flying with passengers. At the controls of a biplane capable of carrying a significant payload, he completed a 66-minute flight with five passengers onboard, totaling over 430 kilograms of weight. A feat that demonstrated not only the robustness of aircraft of the time but also their potential for future air transport.
These exploits reveal just how competitive and inventive the burgeoning aviation scene in France was. Each flight was not merely a technical challenge but a step towards modernity, where engineers and pilots tested the limits of mechanics and human courage.
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Today, Douzy continues to celebrate these early great performances. The Museum of the Beginnings of Aviation houses full-size models and archives, reminding us of the passion and ingenuity of these pioneers. January 26, 1912 remains a symbol of French audacity, a day when the sky had no limits and the dreams of aerial conquest took flight.
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This page is translated from the original post "Douzy 1912 : le ciel français en état de record" in French.
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