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The first aircraft, that being one that is heavier than air would be most likely Sir George Caley, who built a simple controlled glider that flew a short distance with his coachman at the helm. The first aircraft capable of sustained flight would be Otto Lilenthial, who flew many gliders from an artificial hill in Berlin.

Finally, the first powered heavier than air flight, which all would agree as an aircraft, was completed by Frenchman Clement Ader, an engineer in 1890. His aircraft, called Eole, flew a few hundred feet at low altitude after taking off from level ground without assistance. (Some earlier aircraft relied on going downhill or hitting a jump to get airborne, and are thus not considered true powered flights)

Later still, Bavarian immigrant (to the US) Gustav Whitehead flew a twin propeller monoplane at apparently high altitude over a period of several years in the early 1900s. These flights were confirmed by many witnesses, and he made many flights, later ones being controlled as well.

Later, the Wright brothers flew in 1903 and had several well known flights. Their aircraft were controlled and flew sustained distances as well.

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14y ago

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