1907 in aviation - Definition and Overview

This is a list of aviation-related events from 1907:

Events

• Robert Esnault-Pelterie becomes first pilot to fly using a control stick.

August

• August 1 - An Aeronautical Division is formed in the US Signal Corps to oversee "all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects".

September

• September 29 - Louis Breguet and Charles Richet demonstrate their Gyroplane No. 1, the first rotary wing aircraft to lift a person off the ground. (The craft is still controlled by handlers standing around it on the ground).

October

• October 12 - Augustus Gaudron crosses the North Sea in a hot air balloon named Mammouth. He flies 1,160 lm (721 miles) from The Crystal Palace, London to Lake Vänern, Sweden.

November

• November 13 - first piloted free flight in a rotary wing aircraft by Paul Cornu at Lisieux. This first flight lifted Cornu about 30 cm (1 ft) and lasted 20 seconds. Sometimes recognized as first impractical helicopter flight.

First flights

July

• July 11 - Blériot Type VI Libellule

September

• September 10 - Nulli Secundus, the British Army's first airship

November

• November 10 - Bléroit Type VII, first aircraft of conventional modern configuration

Entered service