MIAMI TWP., Montgomery County — Aviation enthusiasts dedicated to preserving the Wright brothers’ legacy expect to start test flights in spring 2011 of a new replica of one of the brothers’ earliest airplanes, the Wright “B” Flyer.

Volunteer test pilots with the Wright “B” Flyer Inc. organization have been doing taxiing tests of the plane since October at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport, where the organization has its hangar and museum.

The plane is dubbed the “silver bird” because of its silver-painted steel frame. It is designed to be easily taken apart, shipped and reassembled for flying displays across the United States and overseas.

The organization’s older replica, known as the “brown bird” for its appearance, will still be flown at local events.

Both aircraft are on display at Wright “B” Flyer Inc.’s hangar, at 10550 Springboro Pike in Miami Twp. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, except for holidays. Admission is free.

For more information, call (937) 885-2327 or e-mail to wbflyer@dayton.net.