Page from the Schneider Trophy contest progamme, 1929.

FRANCE - JULY 12: Three photographs taken at previous races. Maurice Prevost is shown winning the 1913 event at Monaco, and Howard Pixton, the eventual winner, and Ernest Burri are seen contesting the 1914 trophy, also at Monaco. The bottom photograph shows Pixton�s Sopwith �Tabloid� taking off during the 1914 race. The Schneider Trophy race was one of the earliest contests for pilots. The race, sponsored by Jacques Schneider, was intended to encourage seaplane development. The event was always keenly fought and led to many pioneering innovations in aircraft design and engine power. Twelve contests were held between 1913 and 1931 in England, Italy, France and the United States. The 1929 event took place at Calshot, near Southampton. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)