You Never Heard of Him

[deathstar]

Charles Ward Chappelle was an American engineer and businessman best known for his award-winning long-distance airplane in 1911 and his tenure as president of the African Union Company from 1913 to 1930.

In January of 1911, Chappelle presented at the First Industrial Aero Show, a showcase of aircraft and aeronautical technologies in Brooklyn, New York. Chappelle, an architect and engineer by trade, had invented an airplane that was designed to safely travel long distances. With the Wright Brothers’ flight having taken place less than a decade before, Chappelle’s plane was noted for its unique design and capabilities.

[I dot my I]

miqrogroove the almighty aviator may have heard of him.

[Mountain Reader]

I hadn't before, but that was interesting!!

[PurpleBlast]

Isn't amazing how people do these great things, and sometimes we never hear about them? I'm glad he's getting recognition here.

[Audacity]

I did now and that was interesting so thanks!

[Phantom Phreak]

I think I heard OF HIM in the past, and just never knew his name.

[domnicksee]

The man was a genius.

[luciddreams]

I'm glad I learned about someone new.

[miqrogroove]

Honestly never heard of him. Very interesting.

To be fair, I'm more familiar with pre-1910 aviation history. The only thing I collected from after that was a commemorative stamp from the 5eme Exposition Locomotion Aérienne, which roughly translates to 1913 international aviation convention. I noticed it on eBay and the stamp is so rare I couldn't find a better example of it in Google.

To put this in perspective, Wilbur Wright went public with demonstration flights at Le Mans in 1908. By 1910, the third international convention and 2nd international air show were underway. Everyone and their mom had an airplane and wanted to race, set new records, sell memorabilia, and invent the next airplane. Military interest in aviation far preceded the airplane, and it wasn't long before they were figuring out how to mount guns and gear up for the world war.

[Micah 6:8]

That is awesome. He did a lot to change the world.

[Len Crobbs]

Inspires me to get myself to an aeroplane museum.

[datboi]

I did now and I learned about a new hero in my history.

[Livesindaw00ds]

I didn't until today, but his story was interesting.

[Belfazar]

There are no traffic jams along the extra mile. He made it.

[EC]

If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on and enjoy the ride. This man was on a mission and he got there.