Aeroplane meets Mikael Carlson

The legendary Swedish restorer, builder and pilot of early aircraft truly evokes the spirit of the pioneer era — but there’s far more to his flying than that

DANIEL KARLSSON

There are many early aircraft, whether original or replica, flying today: pre-World War One aeroplanes, 1914-18 combat types. But there is no other pilot who conjures up the impression of how such machines performed in period quite like Mikael Carlson. From a project to construct a reproduction FVM Ö1 Tummelisa, a Swedish biplane fighter trainer from the 1920s, he has built up an outstanding fleet: two original examples of the Thulin A, the Swedish licencemanufactured Blériot XI, followed by further superb reproductions of a Fokker Dr.I and D.VII, witha Pfalz D.VIII to follow. In each case the engines are original, restored by Mikael himself.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below