SIR Richard Branson may ditch his signature hot air balloon for a flight of a different kind at a tribute to the founder of aviation this weekend.

The Virgin tycoon, more known for his close shaves across the world in a balloon, could pilot a full working replica of the flying machine pioneered by Scarborough's Sir George Cayley.

This weekend marks the 150th anniversary of the first manned flight -- in a machine pioneered by the Brompton Hall aviator. A Red Arrows flypast and a flight across Brompton Dale - where Sir George's coachman was first propelled into flight - will be attended by Sir Richard tomorrow - and he may take up an invitation to fly the glider himself.

The celebrations will continue on Sunday at the Yorkshire Air Museum, at Elvington, where another replica will be on display to commemorate Cayley.

The show will be the last time the Cayley Glider and the Wright Flyer can be seen together at the museum before the Flyer and several other historic aircraft are taken to RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, to be displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

One of the largest aircraft in the world, a United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster III jet transport, will land at the museum on July 11 to transport the historic craft to the world's second largest air show.

The air museum will be flying the sole Yorkshire flag at the show, which attracts an estimated 300,000 visitors per day.

Museum Director Ian Reed said. "It is a great honour for us to be the only independent museum invited to this prestigious world-class event, and is a tremendous boost in our bid to acquire a Concorde, by further indicating to British Airways, the international reputation the museum now holds."

On Sunday, the Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be making a rare appearance and the museum will host a summer music festival.

Helicopter pleasure flights and flight simulator rides will be available on the day, providing an opportunity to enjoy a flight experience and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of manned flight in style.

Updated: 08:38 Friday, July 04, 2003