Some months ago there was a bit on The BBC (UK TV station) about an
Englishman who actually achieved the required distance to claim a first for
powered flight in 1902.
Only the tale goes that, being a self-effacing English Gentleman, he did
this in the private grounds of his (stately) house, with just the servants
and gardeners to watch. Then, the next day, he invited his prospective
fanancial backers to a formal demonstration. In front of them all, he took
off, flew part of the distance and then the wings fell off - or rather the
stays snapped - and he crashed and killed himself.
Guy
-----Original Message-----
From RBHouston at aol.com <RBHouston@aol.com>
To: dbl@chicagolandmgclub.com <dbl@chicagolandmgclub.com>;
spridgets@Autox.Team.Net <spridgets@Autox.Team.Net>
Date: 24 December 2004 03:22
Subject: Re: 1904-2004 now who flew first?
>In a message dated 12/23/2004 7:53:40 PM Mountain Standard Time,
>dbl@chicagolandmgclub.com writes:
>Alberto Santos Dumont, OTOH, had achieved an actual takeoff and landing in
>Paris with many witnesses in 1906.
>David Lieb
>.
>It figures the French would be first in flight....fly away! fly away!
>
>Robert B. Houston
>Texan in NM
>73 Midget and others
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