Remembering the Pioneers

For more than five centuries, numerous inventors, including Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci, attempted to design reliable parachutes. However, it was only in 1920 that the modern parachute, as we know it today, was patented.

In 1922, Clark developed the ‘Clark Y’ aerofoil profile, which was the result of substantial mathematical research to design the ideal cross-sectional shape of a wing. Early aircraft designers found that the ‘Clark Y’ aerofoil worked well for their designs. As a result, the ‘Clark Y’ aerofoil was incorporated into dozens of aircraft designs.

In 1852, Giffard built the world's first steerable airship.

Enrico Forlanini was a pioneer in helicopter design, hydrofoils and airship development.

Learn more about Clyde Cessna, founder of the Cessna Company.

When Ed Long died at the age of 83 in July 1999, he had accumulated more than 65 000 hours of flying experience, a record which still stands.

Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without resourcefulness. One pilot from the 1930s showed an extraordinary amount of resourcefulness and thereby epitomized the adventurous spirit of early aviation pioneers.

Kartveli was instrumental in the development of the P-47 Thunderbolt, F-105 Thunderchief and A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Let us take a closer look at one of the true trailblazers of aviation. For a few years during the early 1900s, he was seen as the best pilot in the world.

Whilse working for Hawker, Camm developed some of the most famous aircraft of World War II and the Cold War era.

Also known as 'The Flying Dutchman', Fokker gained fame for designing World War I era fighters, as well as various airliners.

Today, almost 100 years after his death, Harry Houdini remains a household name. He was world famous for escaping from chains, straightjackets and locked containers, but he did not escape the pages of aviation history.