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.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/
aviation-history-looking-back-at-one-of-mans-greatest-
accomplishments-755510.html About the Author
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,
airspeeds,altimeter,
and aviation GPS systems. Rebuilding airplanes is something that James
knows he’ll be doing for a long time. |
