Who "ACTUALLY" Flew First ??

[Chaz]

Heya Folks

Saw an interesting topic on DSTV that has been raging since man started flying. Apparently the Germans flew 3years before the Wright brothers actually did. The Germans downfall was that they did not have film proof, only a photo.

What was interseting was that they built identical planes i.e. the German model and the Wright brother model both with 12hp motors. The German one flew a full circle and the Wright brothers model is not got a 65hp motor and not lifted as yet. Question about the Wright brothers plane is the Figure 8 configuration in a chain ???

The Americans took out a worldwide patent for flying although the Wright brothers model with more horsepower than originally built with cant get off the ground. ANY OPINIONS ??

I believe the Germans were the FIRST !!

Your's in Flying
CHAZ

[The Agent]

It has also been said thet some South African took the first flight, don't know if any strings were attatched.

[Morph]

Was the German guy's name Gustav Whitehead

http://www.flightjournal.com/articles/wff/wff1.asp

[Duck Rogers]

You have to distinguish between "flying" and "powered flight" first.
Then the debate can begin............popcorn and coke ready..... :D

[Aerosan]

agreed ... first flight or first powered flight :D

[Chaz]

Well then the Germans according to the documentary are the first to do a powered flight which is still before the Wright brothers. Morph posted a very informative write - up about Weiskopf. Only reason it seems why the Yanks blow there trumpet is that they took and hold the patent on flying be it powered or not

Thanx Morph for that very informative reading material. When i saw the documentary on DSTV i had missed some.

Your's in Flying
CHAZ

[DieselFan]

Thanks for the post Morph, it's actually a cool looking plane

[andreb]

Now I know where Chitty Chitty Bang Bang came from...