Ernest Archdeacon | |
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![]() Archdeacon in the 1890s | |
Born | Paris, France | 23 March 1863
Died | 3 January 1950 Versailles, France | (aged 86)
Occupation | Lawyer |
Organization | Aéro-Club de France |
Known for | Aviation pioneering |
Ernest Archdeacon (23 March 1863 – 3 January 1950) was a French lawyer and aviation pioneer before the First World War. He made his first balloon flight at the age of 20. He commissioned a copy of the 1902 Wright No. 3 glider but had only limited success. He was regarded as France's foremost promoter and sponsor of aviation, offering prizes (Coupe d'Aviation Ernest Archdeacon and the Deutsch de la Meurthe-Archdeacon prize), commissioning designs, and organising tests and events.
His most lasting contribution to aviation is the Aéro-Club de France, the oldest aero-club in the world, which he co-founded in 1898.[1] On 29 May 1908, Archdeacon became the first aeroplane passenger in Europe when he was piloted by Henry Farman at Ghent.