Felix Du Temple and his brother Louis France fly the first recorded powered airplane. Using a clockwork spring to drive the propeller and later a small steam engine. Lifted off the ground under its own power, it flies a short distance and glides to a safe and successful landing.
1871
Alphonse Penaud builds a 20 inch plane that is propelled by a twisted rubber band. It flies 131 feet in 11 seconds. This was one of the first stabilized powered flights.
1879
Victor Tatin demonstrates a model monoplane to the french military. The airplane has two tractor propellers that are driven by a compressed air-tank. It flies and glides to a safe landing.
1883
Siegfried Marcus, an inventor, a machinist, and engineer from Austria, patents the low-tension magneto. This was the first practical electrical ignition for internal combustion engine. This improved system enables future gasoline engines to have as much horsepower, torque, and speed required to propel an airplane.
1896
Percy Pilcher builds an improved glider, The Hawk, the glides up to 750 feet.
Samuel Langley tests a steam powered model aircraft. It flies for 3,300 feet.
1903
Wilbur and Orville Wright fly the first four sustained flights with a powered , controlled airplane
1917
Hugo Junkers, a German professor of mechanics introduces an all-metal airplane built mostly withlightweight aluminum.
1919
Britain and France introduce passenger service across the English Channel, flying initially between London and Paris.
1947
Charles Yeager, A U.S. Air Force pilot Captain breaks the sound barrier.
1949
First jet-powered commercial aircraft
1986
The voyager circumnavigates the globe in 9 days. (26,000) miles