Ben Ullings - Aviation Photos International

From the 1970’s onwards Jaap van Mesdag (1922) brought an impressive collection of historic aircraft, initially primarily focusing on types from the early days of aviation.

A hangar at Lelystad became their ‘home’ and same applied for the dedicated group of people that he brought together in support of the activities. Stichting Vroege Vogels (Early Birds Foundation) became the umbrella for the small museum holding an ever increasing fleet of ‘beauties’.

This gallery is dedicated to the memory of Jaap Mesdag. He passed away in October 2015 and made sure that the Early Birds Foundation could continue to operate.  Jaap has been a fine friend for many years, facilitating many opportunities to photographically enjoy his aircraft. And to date the team succeeding him has wonderfully continued to do so!