From kites and hot air balloons to gliders and turbojets, the history of aviation represents an imaginative journey of innovation and discovery. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot or a frequent passenger interested in flight history, you’ve come to the right place. Join the experts from American Winds, an Ohio flight school with multiple paths to becoming a pilot, as we fly through the most important events in flight history. We will cover topics such as:
- Early aircraft prototypes
- The airplane invention date
- History of commercial aircraft
- And more!
Early Beginnings
The early beginnings of flight history might look different than what you would assume. Thanks to the curiosity and ingenuity of early kite builders and artists, we gained our first peek into aviation. These pivotal moments in flight history laid the foundation for the breakthroughs that propelled aviation to where it is today.
3rd-5th Century BCE: Kites in Ancient China
The first significant milestone in aviation history dates back to the early Warring States Period in China when the kite was invented. Chinese philosopher Mozi and engineer Lu Ban crafted these early kites out of light wood and cloth. The two drew inspiration from how birds fly through the sky and the way wind interacts with lighter objects. These kites measured distances for military purposes.
While kites might not have an obvious connection to flight history, they served as early prototypes for aircraft design and provided valuable insights into aerodynamics. Kites showcased how wind could lift and maneuver objects, paving the way for further aviation advancements.
1485–1515: Leonardo da Vinci’s Flying Machine Designs
Later in the 15th century, famous artist Leonardo da Vinci provided the conceptual groundwork for modern aerodynamics and flight principles through his sketches of flying machines. Much like his kite-building predecessors, Da Vinci was inspired by birds, the shape of their wings, and how they soared through the sky. His sketches served as early models on how humans might conquer aviation, demonstrating an understanding of lift, drag, and control surfaces.
The Age of Balloons and Airships
The Age of Balloons and Airships, also known as lighter-than-air flight, refers to a period in the early days of aviation when balloons and airships were used to reach the sky.
How did this work? First, air that is less dense rises. By heating the air inside of a balloon or airship, the heated air decreases in density and rises. Alternatively, you can fill the container with low-density gas such as hydrogen or helium to achieve the same effect.
1783: The Montgolfier Brothers’ First Hot Air Balloon
Joseph-Michel Montgolfier and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier invented the first practical hot air balloon. In September 1783, the brothers presented their creation to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Three lucky passengers (a sheep, a duck, and a chicken) flew 1,400 feet into the air and safely landed about a mile and a half away after an 8-minute flight. This proved that life could exist at that altitude, and paved the way for Francois Pilatre de Rozier to become the first human to fly in a Montgolfier hot air balloon just one month later.
1794: Balloons in Warfare
It wasn’t long before strategic armies recognized the benefit of balloons in warfare. The French were the first military to use balloons for aerial reconnaissance in 1794 during their conflict with Austria. This marked an important moment in flight history, with many armies following suit. During the French Revolutionary Wars, balloons were again used for aerial surveys, allowing the French army to observe enemy troop movements and strongholds.
The practice of military ballooning did not end with the French. This strategy was also implemented early in the American Civil War (1861) by both the Union and the Confederacy, as well as in the Spanish-American War (1898).
Heavier-Than-Air Flight
Despite the important events in flight history that transpired thanks to balloons and airships, further advancements soon made headlines. Heavier-than-air flight – aircraft which fly using aerodynamic lift rather than buoyancy – soon took over the aviation industry. This era in the history of aircraft began with gliders, an exciting new way to experience flight!
1849–1853: Sir George Cayley’s Gliders
Sir George Cayley was an English engineer, inventor, and aviator. He is known for discovering the four aerodynamic principles: lift, drag, thrust, and weight. With this knowledge, he designed and built the first successfully manned glider, carrying his coachman a short distance. This event would go down in history as the first recorded manned flight of a heavier-than-air machine.
Cayley later worked on plans for gliders with fixed wings for lift, a separate tail for stability, and moveable control services. You may recognize this design as today’s airplane layout!
1891–1896: Otto Lilienthal’s Glider Flights
Otto Lilienthal was a German aviation pioneer who conducted the first well-documented, repeated, and successful flights with gliders. In just five years, he completed 2,000 flights and utilized at least 16 different glider designs, including both monoplane and biplane configurations. His gliders usually reached flight distances of up to 250 meters, demonstrating the practicality of controlled, heavier-than-air flight.
The Wright Brothers and Powered Flight
Next up on our stroll through flight history is Orville and Wilbur Wright. These American brothers and aviation pioneers from Dayton, OH were self-taught visionaries who changed the trajectory of flight with their designs!
1903: First Powered Flight
On December 17th, 1903, Orville completed the first powered flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft. The aircraft, known as the Wright Flyer, flew for 12 seconds at 120 feet in the skies of Kitty Hawk, NC. The Wright Flyer used a homemade 12-horsepower engine and wooden propellers, all designed by the brothers. This exciting moment in the history of aircraft paved the way for further advancements.
1905: The First Practical Airplane
The Wright Flyer III represents the final step in the brothers’ quest. In 1905, they finally found success in designing a practical airplane that could remain in flight for extended periods of time under the complete control of the pilot. This aircraft could fly for over 30 minutes, complete turns, and land safely, deeming it the first practical airplane. These early days of aviation took place in Dayton, OH – the home state of American Winds College of Aeronautics!
Aviation Expands
After the Wright brothers, the aviation industry saw further growth. From what might seem like a failed attempt at transatlantic flight to the first solo flight from New York to Paris – each step was integral to where we are today.
1919: First Non-Stop Transatlantic Flight
In 1919, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown completed the first nonstop flight over the Atlantic Ocean. Their journey was difficult, fraught with bad weather, with only a sextant for navigation and a less than ideal landing. The duo left from St. John’s, Newfoundland and crash-landed in Ireland after 16 long hours.
Despite the troubles they faced, Alcock and Whitten are celebrated in flight history as the first non-stop transatlantic flight – an accomplishment that wasn’t repeated for another eight years!
1927: Charles Lindbergh’s Solo Flight
In May of 1927, American aviator Charles Lindbergh flew from New York to Paris – a total of 3,600 miles in 33.5 hours. This was not only the first solo, nonstop transatlantic flight, but also the first nonstop flight between New York and Paris. Lindenbergh flew a custom-built, single-engine monoplane known as the Spirit of St. Louis.
This accomplishment helped grow the public’s trust in air travel and sparked more investment in aviation infrastructure (airports, air routes, and airlines). Charles “Lucky Lindy” Lindbergh’s accomplishments go down as the most important events in flight history!
The Jet Age and Modern Day Aviation
The history of commercial aircraft begins with the Jet Age, a time when air travel became faster and more reliable. From 1939 and beyond, engineers and aviators worked to use jet-powered engines that would speed up travel and make it more appealing to the public.
1939: First Jet-Powered Flight
The first jet-powered flight flew on August 27, 1939. Named Heinkel He 178, the aircraft was developed by a young German physicist, Hans von Ohain, who worked for Ernst Heinkel. The aircraft’s speed reached 400 mph (640 km/h), which was faster than most propeller planes of the period. Even though it was a short flight, it proved that turbojet propulsion was viable and worth continued investment.
1952: First Commercial Jet Service
More history was made on May 2, 1952, with the first commercial jet service, operated by BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation). The de Havilland Comet, the world’s first commercial jet airliner, ran from London to Johannesburg, South Africa with a few stops along the way. The aircraft carried 36 passengers and reached speeds up to 450 mph (720 km/h) over a distance of 2500 miles (4000 km). Flown by Captain John “Cats-Eyes” Cunningham, this flight pushed the Jet Age into full gear by proving that air travel can be practical and efficient.
1969: The Concorde’s First Flight
The Concorde’s first flight took place on March 2, 1969, in Toulouse, France, marking the maiden voyage of the world’s first supersonic passenger jet. Piloted by André Turcat, the Concorde 001 prototype soared for a 28-minute subsonic test flight. This event was a major milestone in flight history as it showcased the collaboration between France and the UK. The Concorde paved the way for faster-than-sound commercial air travel, flying passengers across the Atlantic in under four hours.
Start Your Flight Journey with American Winds
The early days of aviation highlight the remarkable advancements in air travel, reminding future pilots of the innovation and perseverance that shaped modern flight. Make your own flight history by beginning your journey at American Winds’ aeronautics school! Get information about our trusted Ohio flight school today.
