First flying machine

There are conflicting views as to what was the first flying machine. There are many confident histories, with a large numbers of supporters, that have different views. This may be influenced by the fact that local heroes make more interesting histories, as well as national pride. Different definitions of first flying machine are emphasized, which leads to different claims.

Claims to first flight by date

• John Stringfellow, England — 1848
• Alexander Feodorovich Mozhaiski, Russian Empire — 1884
• Clement Ader, France — October 9 1890
• Gustave Whitehead, Germany/United States — August 14 1901
• Lyman Gilmore, United States — May 15 1902
• Richard Pearse, New Zealand — March 31 1903
• Karl Jatho, Germany — August 18 1903
• Orville & Wilbur Wright, United States — December 17 1903
• Traian Vuia, Romania — March 18 1906
• Jacob Ellehammer, Denmark — September 12 1906
• Alberto Santos-Dumont, Brazil/France — November 12 1906