Key Events
1783 FIRST SUCCESSFUL HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
The Montgolfier brothers test their hot air balloon in front of a large crowd in Annonay, France, with a crew of three. The balloon rises to a height of 1,585m to 2,000m and travels about 1.5km.
1903 WRIGHT BROTHERS FLIGHT
Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully launch the first sustained flight by a powered aircraft, with the Wright Flyer. The flight, which takes place near Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, is the result of four years of research and development.
The Wright brothers’ interest in flight began at a young age when their father brought them a toy helicopter.
1937 HINDENBURG DISASTER
German airship the Hindenburg bursts into flames while attempting to moor at Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey. Of the 97 passengers and crew on board, 36 are killed.