Pliska Airplane
John V. Pliska, born in Tyne, Austria, came to Texas with his parents in 1897 and settled in Flatonia. In 1903 he started on a trip to Mexico by train. When the train stopped in Midland, he got off to look over the local blacksmith shop. Pliska was hired as a blacksmith and became the first person in Midland County to become a U.S. naturalized citizen.
Fascinated by airplanes, Pliska planned to build one and by 1909 had started gathering materials. In 1911, a Wright Brothers Model B plane landed in Midland on a cross-country flight. Pliska viewed it and began to build his own plane along with Gary Coggin, a local auto mechanic. Pliska flew his plane in 1912. Pliska’s flying machine can be viewed daily in the Midland International Airport lobby.
Getting There & Details
- Hours
- Daily Viewing
- Address
- 600 Air Park Road
- Phone
- 432-560-2200
- Map
- Get Directions →
More Things to Do
Green Tree Country Club -North/East
Course Access: PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 3 days
Learn more →George W. Bush Childhood Home
Visit the town President George W. Bush refers to as his hometown and learn more…
Learn more →Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum
The children's museum, part of the Museum of the Southwest complex, features three exhibition areas…
Learn more →American Airpower Heritage Museum
Located within the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Headquarters at Midland International Airport, the American Airpower…
Learn more →