 Alberto
Santos-Dumont claimed a record for
making the first dirigible flight around the
Eiffel Tower in 1901. He made his first
heavier-than-air flight in 1906, and in so doing
became the first man to fly a heavier-than-air
craft in Europe. In 1909 he developed what is now
considered the world's first ultralight aircraft,
the plans for which he offered to the public free
of charge. |
 Louis
Blériot designed and built the
airplane with which he became the first man to
fly across the English Channel, in 1909. Although
the flight only took 37 minutes, it also
established a new longest-duration record. |
 The
Montgolfier Brothers were paper
manufacturers who also had a lively and informed
interest in scientific matters. Both were
responsible for innovations in the paper-making
process before turning their attentions to
hot-air balloons. Their first balloon was sent
aloft in November 1782, and by November of 1783
they had built a balloon capable of carrying
passengers. |
 The
"Spruce Goose" was the
largest aircraft ever built. It was designed to
fly transatlantic to avoid World War II German
submarines, the war ended before the plane was
finished. It flew only one time, in 1947. Despite
its popular name, the airplane was actually made
of birch. |
