History of Aviation - Flashcards

Flashcards covering key milestones, figures, and regulatory bodies in the history of aviation.

Who is Archytas (400 BCE)?

Greek philosopher who reportedly built a wooden pigeon that could fly using steam.

Who is Leonardo da Vinci?

Renaissance inventor who sketched flying machines based on bird anatomy.

Who were the Montgolfier brothers (1783)?

Launched the first manned hot-air balloon in France in 1783.

Who was Sir George Cayley?

Known as the 'Father of Aerodynamics'; demonstrated lift, drag, and thrust principles.

Who were the Wright brothers (1903)?

Achieved the first powered, controlled, sustained flight in Kitty Hawk, NC.

What is World War I aviation known for?

Transition of airplanes from reconnaissance to combat machines.

What was the Messerschmitt Me 262?

First operational jet aircraft, used in WWII.

Who was Chuck Yeager (1947)?

Broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 in 1947.

What is the Boeing 707 (1958)?

One of the first successful commercial jetliners.

What is the Concorde (1970s)?

Supersonic passenger jet capable of transatlantic travel in ~3.5 hours.

How did Transportation & Globalization affect aviation?

Drastically reduced travel times, connecting cities, boosting trade and tourism.

What is Economic Development (Aviation)?

Creates millions of jobs and stimulates local economies.

What is Military Impact of Aviation?

Enabled surveillance, bombing, and rapid long-distance strikes.

What is the Wright Flyer?

Introduced a propeller-driven engine and three-axis control system.

What is Aluminum in Aviation?

Replaced wood for lighter, stronger, and more durable aircraft.

What is the Boeing 747 (1969)?

First wide-body jumbo jet, greatly increased passenger capacity.

What is Fly-by-Wire?

Replaced manual controls with electronic signals for precision and safety.

Who was Igor Sikorsky?

Invented the first practical helicopter.

What is the Chicago Convention (1944)?

Created ICAO and established international aviation law (1944).

What is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?

U.S. national aviation authority formed in 1958.