Avro 504A

The Avro 504A was a single‑engine biplane produced by the British company Avro during the First World War. First flying in 1913 as a development of the earlier 504, the 504A entered service in 1915 and became one of the most widely used trainer aircraft of the era. Powered mainly by the 80 hp Gnome rotary engine, it featured a wooden frame with fabric covering, staggered wings of equal span, and a simple, open cockpit that could accommodate a student and an instructor. Its robust construction, forgiving handling and low landing speed made it ideal for teaching novice pilots, while the aircraft’s interchangeable wings allowed quick conversion between reconnaissance and training roles. Over 8,000 examples were built, out of a total 504 series production exceeding 10,000 airframes. The 504A’s contribution to the rapid expansion of the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force was decisive, providing the bulk of primary flight instruction that supplied pilots for combat squadrons. After the war it continued in civilian sport and aerobatic use, cementing its reputation as a versatile and enduring symbol of early aviation training.