D11

The Jodel D11 is a two‑seat light aircraft that first flew in 1950 and quickly became one of the most popular models built by Jodel and amateur constructors. Conceived by designer Henri J. Carbery, the D11 grew out of the earlier Jodel D10 prototype, incorporating a wooden cantilever wing with dihedral on the outer panels, giving superb roll stability and short‑field performance. Its fabric‑covered, low‑wing design uses a 65‑80 hp Continental or Régnier engine, cruising about 115 kt with a 500 km range, suitable for sport and club flying. The D11’s simple, all‑wood structure and modest kit price encouraged a vibrant home‑building community; over 2,000 airframes have been completed worldwide, many still active. In aviation history the D11 is celebrated for democratizing access to personal aircraft, proving that a lightweight, economical design could achieve reliable handling, low operating costs, and enduring popularity across generations of pilots. Several variants followed, including the D11-40 with a 40 hp engine for basic training and the reinforced D11-A for aerobatics. Today, the aircraft remains in the fleets of many flying clubs and is praised for its forgiving stall characteristics, low take‑off run, and the nostalgic charm that keeps it a favorite among vintage‑type enthusiasts.