Alberto Santos Dumont
Brazilian aeronaut and inventor
July 20, 1873 July 23, 1932
Santos Dumont in 1902.
Balloon No. 6
Flying in balloon No. 6, Santos Dumont demonstrated the maneuverability of balloons by flying around the Eiffel Tower and won the Deutsch Prize in 1901, granted by the Aero Club of France, being recognized as the first to achieve such a feat.
Balloon No. 6 on October 19, 1901.
14 Bis
Santos Dumont's consecration came with the 14 Bis, a heavier-than-air aircraft that took off without the help of the wind or catapults, in the presence of the members of the Aéro-Club de France.
14 bis on November 12, 1906.
Father of aviation
Santos Dumont's title was disputed by other aviators around the world, including the Wright brothers, but their flights were carried out, according to them, without the presence of witnesses.
Santos Dumont in 1922.