Bleriot Monoplane, Pilot: Eric "Eclipse" Presten. On the 25th of July, 1909, the Bleriot Monoplane made history. On his first attempt, Louis Bleriot flew his Monoplane from Calais to Dover, becoming the first aviator to fly an airplane across the English Channel. This little 25 horsepower Anzani-powered monoplane went on to become one of the most heavily-produced of the early pioneer era airplanes, and it set many records. The airplane was controlled by wing warping and was one of the fastest of the early types, with a speed of 47 miles per hour. With a span of less than 27 feet, and a gross weight of only about 660 pounds, the little Bleriot accomplished many Òfirsts,Ó and it was copied all over the world, both with and without permission.