The first aircraft ordered by the Belgian Government for the Compagnie des Ouvriers et Aérostiers was the Henri Farman H.F. 3 (Model 1909). This machine equipped with a 50hp Gnome engine was used as of December 1910 to train the first candidates eager to become pilot. It was also the first aircraft on which the words "ARMEE BELGE" were painted to distinguish it from the other (civilian) Farman's based at Kiewit aerodrome. On May 5th, 1911 this Farman was moved to Brasschaat and had an accident that same day, fortunately the pilot, Emmanuel Bronne, survived the crash although suffering a broken buttock. The aircraft could be repaired but crashed on its first post repair test flight with Lt. Dhanis as pilot in June 1911