The legend of the 1910 Bristol Aeroplane Company Boxkite, which became known in the air force as the 'Beginner's Bus', will be resurrected in a model due for completion within 18 months.

Museum director David Gardner said the Boxkite was the mainstay of air force training during World War I.

"The original aircraft, CFS3, operated by the Central Flying School at Point Cook, took its first flight on the first of March 1914, here at the Point Cook base."

He said most of the pilots in Australia's founding air force gained their wings on the Boxkite.

"Throughout its service the aircraft was damaged and rebuilt several times and in 1917, with hardly any original parts left in her framework, the old lady

was finally retired under the

official term 'through fair wear and tear'."

He said the replica aircraft was a significant addition to the RAAF Heritage collection.

"The acquisition of the aircraft on completion will add a very important relic to the museum, as it represents the original military aircraft which flew on March 1, 1914."