The major contributors to the Creation of the airplane

The greatest contributors to the development of the airplane up to the first successful flight were the following.

Sir George Cayley:

Sir George Cayley was an English baronet. He was the person who came up with the idea of a fixed wing aircraft. This took place in 1799.

Alphonse Penaud:

Alphonse Penaud created a popular children's toy in 1871. This toy was a rubber band powered toy plane. Though this may not seem like much, it made other scientists who were studying flight believe that powered flight was possible.

Otto Lilienthal:

Otto Lilienthal invented the first man- manned gliders. He also established the concept of an airman or a pilot.

Octave Chanute:

Octave Chanute was one of the major sponsors for airplane experimentation. He also served as a sounding board for the Wright brothers.

The Wright Brothers:

Orville and Wilbur Wright were responsible for the first ever powered flight. They spent many years and experimented with many different designs until they finally accomplished their goal.

Sir George Cayley:		Sir George Cayley was an English baronet. He was the person who came up with the idea of a fixed wing aircraft. This took place in 1799.
Alphonse Penaud:		Alphonse Penaud created a popular children's toy in 1871. This toy was a rubber band powered toy plane. Though this may not seem like much, it made other scientists who were studying flight believe that powered flight was possible.
Otto Lilienthal:		Otto Lilienthal invented the first man- manned gliders. He also established the concept of an airman or a pilot.
Octave Chanute:		Octave Chanute was one of the major sponsors for airplane experimentation. He also served as a sounding board for the Wright brothers.
The Wright Brothers:		Orville and Wilbur Wright were responsible for the first ever powered flight. They spent many years and experimented with many different designs until they finally accomplished their goal.

The history of airplanes Home Page	The beginning of the airplane
Sources Page	Saugus High School Home Page