Aviation History - Looking Back at One of Man’s Greatest Accomplishments
ByJames Bunter
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As early man watched birds in flight, he probably dreamed of taking to the air himself. The notion of harnessing hot air to achieve buoyancy may have been the first realization by aviation pioneers that flight could actually work. Hot air balloons have a lengthy history extending back to China, where they were used as hot air lanterns for military communication.
The first untethered hot air balloon ride is recorded as having taken place in 1783 in Paris, France. King Louis XIV decided that the best people to pilot the trial balloons would be condemned criminals. However, two men persuaded the King to let them go instead. They were Marquis Francois d'Arlandes and scientist Jean-Francois de Rozier. The first casualty of aviation occurred in a hot air balloon that crashed in June 1785, when de Rozier and a companion died while trying to cross the English Channel.
The hot air balloons of today are a spectacular site to see. They come in many shapes other than just the typical balloon. Hot air balloon competitions are called races, but the main focus is on accuracy rather than speed. Enthusiasts love to display and race their balloons at annual balloon festivals. These hot air balloon events are extremely popular with people all over the world.
Of course, we attribute the very first controlled and sustained heavier-than-air powered flight to the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur. However, it is important to remember that people had been attracted to the notion of flight centuries before the two brothers finally made their dreams a reality. We have some brave pioneers to thank for the tremendous strides that have been made in aviation. Through often dangerous experimentation, they led the way to the accomplishments we see today.
Over the last century there have been continuous advancements in aviation. We give thanks to the early aviation pioneers who, with their thought and vision, brought us such advancements as hot air balloons, airplanes, and spacecraft. We eagerly await the future progress of aviation.
Retired pilot, James Bunter, loves to tinker with old planes and other flying equipment. This hobby requires James to buy various aviation supplies. Over the years he has purchased aviation electronics, airspeed indicators, aircraft altimeter, and aviation GPS systems. Rebuilding airplanes is something that James knows he’ll be doing for a long time.
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