- Meticulously restored

- Specially developed engine recommissioned by Michel Magnin

- A testament to the dream of flying for all

An aviation enthusiast, Henri Mignet was convinced he could design a small, cheap plane which, sold as a kit, could be assembled by anyone and would therefore make air travel more popular. After producing various planes in the 1920s, he refined the concept and in 1933 carried out the first tests of the HM-14, nicknamed “The Flying Flea”, which he described in detail in a book, Le Sport de l'Air. This very simple light aircraft, a sort of microlight before its time, was a biplane with a fuselage made from slats and plywood, landing gear consisting of a tube supporting the wheels, two ribbed wings covered in canvas and a two-stroke twin-cylinder Aubier-Dunne engine.

It is a plane of this type we are offering, which Paul-Émile B bought when the Guy Biraud collection was sold at auction by Artcurial in 2003. It differs from the standard version in respect of its engine, a two-stroke air-cooled flat-four, which was probably developed specially for Mignet by Aubier-Dunne, who manufactured all kinds of engines, mostly two-stroke units, to be fitted to motorcycles and light vehicles. The engine was recommissioned before the auction by Michel Magnin. The plane has a lovely Melville wooden propeller, a dashboard with a rev counter, airspeed indicator and altimeter, and a plaque marked “Restauration Coutant.P”. The canvas was refurbished before the sale in 2003 and the plane as a whole presents well, in its attractive colours of white and blue.

It is a rare survivor of a time when the less stringent regulations meant everyone could dream of having their own plane in the garage. In addition, “The Flying Flea” will be sold with Mignet’s original book, in which he explains how to build your own example. In good condition and with a unique engine, it is sure to appeal to enthusiasts.

Photos © Alexis Ruben