Replica of World’s First ‘Airliner’ Makes Oshkosh Debut
100 years ago, a Benoist flying boat carried a paying passenger over Tampa Bay, and the rest is history.
The Lark of Duluth, a fully flyable replica of the first airplane to carry a paying passenger, is making its EAA AirVenture debut this week. It was built with volunteer labor contributions from Duluth Aviation Institute trustees and local EAA members. (Photo: Brady Lane)
The Lark of Duluth, a fully flyable replica of the first airplane to carry a paying passenger, is making its EAA AirVenture debut this week. It was built with volunteer labor contributions from Duluth Aviation Institute trustees and local EAA members. (Photo: Brady Lane)

Visitors to the 2014 EAA AirVenture this week in Oshkosh, Wis., can view an unusual aircraft making its first appearance at the air show: The Lark of Duluth, a fully flyable replica of the first airplane to carry a paying passenger. It is being featured in front of the show site’s vintage red barn for the entire week.