Aviation in pre-10th century

1700 BC- Flying is first mentioned in the Greek mythology when Daedalus, a skilled craftsman, made wings for himself and his son Icarus, to escape the island of Crete.

1000 BC- Vimanas or flying machines are mentioned several times in scripts of Hindu mythology like Vedas, Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Kite became very popular in the 18th century and an important inspiration for the development of aviation revolution and flying objects. In this century, few remarkable inventions were noted which helped further researchers to develop successful flying airplane. The remarkable inventions were the first parachute descent, heavier than air glider model and a free flight from Marquis d’Arlandes and Rozier in the form of hot air balloon.

Overview

At the end of 18th century, Sir George Cayley started inventing the first scientific flying machine which was heavier than air. 19th century has also delivered the first successful fully controllable free flight and Lilienthal which was a controlled hang glider flights. Some of the aviation highlights of the 19th century are as follows.

Previous research and efforts ignited 20th century in the creation of revolutionary flights which could actually carry humans. Efforts made by Sir George Cayley, Otto Lilienthal and many other avian dreamers, had influenced 20th century scientists and engineers in the creation of safe and comfortable planes.