First Hot Air Balloon Flight
1783 · Early Modern
On November 21, 1783, the first untethered human flight in a hot air balloon took place in Paris, France. Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes flew in a hot air balloon designed by the Montgolfier brothers, traveling about 5.5 miles in 25 minutes. This historic achievement was preceded by the Montgolfiers' first public demonstration of their balloon in Annonay on June 4, 1783, marking the beginning of human aviation.
Key Figures
Joseph-Michel MontgolfierJacques-Étienne MontgolfierJean-François Pilâtre de RozierFrançois Laurent, Marquis d'Arlandes
Locations
AnnonayChâteau de la Muette
Topics
hot air ballooninventionflightFrancemontgolfier
Connected Events — 2 Connections
Montgolfier balloon flight proved human flight was physically possible, launching the aeronautical research tradition the Wright brothers drew upon Wright Brothers' First Flight
Montgolfier balloon flights demonstrated human flight was possible, stimulating Cayley interest in heavier-than-air flight as alternative to lighter-than-air craft George Cayley Engraves Fixed-Wing Aircraft Design on Silver Disc
The Time Detectives® · Cadet Mission
Investigate This Event
Place it on the timeline. Earn points. Master the connections.
New to The Time Detectives?
Learn what it is →