1881-1947
René Demanest (1881-1947) was a sportsman who tried his
hands at many sports, such as fencing, riding, skating, swimming
and bicycle racing. After completing his studies he turned to
automobiles. He became interested in the light Antoinette engines
and started working for the company.
Originally his intention was to use the engines in automobiles, but
he then became interested in aeroplanes. He was the second customer
to order an Antoinette, in late 1908, and was employed as a test
pilot by the company before being overshadowed by Latham. He was
injured in a crash at Mourmelon on July 11th 1909 and appears to
have quit active flying soon afterwards, becoming a manager at
Antoinette.
He was entered at the 1909 Reims meeting and his #12 machine was
flown there at least in the days before the meeting, but his name
was not mentioned in any reports of the meeting itself.
During the spring of 1910 he split with the Antoinette company and
started selling Sommer planes.
He never qualified for a "Brevet de Pilote".
René Demanest participated in the following air race
meetings:
- Reims 1909 (?)