Early History of Flight

The First Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Period: Jan 1, 1799 to Dec 31, 1799

Sometime during the year 1799, Sir George Cayley presented his invention of the first fixed-wing aircraft. He is considered the Father of the Airplane.

First Attempt of a Powered Fight

Period: Jan 1, 1874 to Dec 31, 1874

Sometime during in the year 1874, Felix duTemple attempted to make the first powered flight. He was in a driven-powered monoplane and he jumped out. He was not successful at his attempt.

First Successful Takeoff

Period: Jan 1, 1894 to Dec 31, 1894

Sometime during the year 1894, Sir Hiram Maxim completed the first takeoff in a biplane, but the flight was not controlled well.

The First Controlled Flight

Dec 17, 1903

Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully completed the first controlled flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

First Practical Aircraft Released

Mar 2, 1905

Sometime during 1905, the Wright Flyer III was released and it was the first practical aircraft.

First Top Secret Aircraft Created

Mar 2, 1910

Sometime during the year 1910, the first top secret aircraft was created by the British. It was called the Dunne Flying Wing.

First U.S. Woman to Become a Licensed Pilot

Mar 2, 1911

Sometime during 1911, Harriet Quimby became the first U.S. woman to be a licensed pilot.

First Fighter Plane Takeoff

Apr 1, 1915

Roland Garros took flight in the first fighter plane created. The plane was armed with a machine gun.