Explore the fascinating era of aviation pioneers, the intrepid men and women who defied the skies in the early 20th century. This ranking celebrates the aviators who made the first flights, broke records, and laid the groundwork for modern aviation. Discover the key figures who propelled the development of aircraft and aerial exploration. It's an opportunity to learn about the heroes and heroines who transformed transportation and the world's perception.
Pioneered powered flight
(+3)
The Wright Brothers are renowned for achieving the world's first controlled, sustained, and powered heavier-than-air flight on December 17, 1903. Their innovation and persistence laid the foundation for modern aviation, marking a pivotal moment in the history of transport and engineering.
Alberto Santos-Dumont was a pioneering aviator who achieved the first public and officially observed powered flight in Europe with his 14-bis aircraft in 1906. His innovations in airships and fixed-wing aircraft were fundamental to the development of aviation in the early 20th century. He is considered a national hero in Brazil and a key figure in global aviation history.
Pioneer in early 20th century aviation
Louis Blériot was the first aviator to fly across the English Channel in an aeroplane in 1909, an achievement that propelled him to global fame and demonstrated aviation's potential. His historic flight aboard the Blériot XI marked a turning point in aviation history, inspiring future generations of pilots and engineers.
Pioneer of early 20th century aviation
(+1)
Jorge Chávez was the first aviator to fly across the Alps, a pioneering feat that demonstrated the potential of aviation in the early 20th century. His historic flight in 1910, though tragic in its outcome, marked a crucial milestone in aerial exploration and overcoming geographical barriers.
Roland Garros was an aviation pioneer and a World War I hero, known for his early aerial feats and for revolutionizing aerial combat. He developed the forward-firing machine gun system, a crucial innovation that transformed air warfare in the early 20th century.
All the rankings you can imagine
Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts
Highly skilled and successful fighter pilot
(+3)
Manfred von Richthofen was the ace-of-aces of World War I, with an unprecedented 80 confirmed air combat victories. His tactical prowess and leadership in aerial combat made him a legendary figure and a benchmark for aviators of the early 20th century.
René Fonck was the highest-scoring Allied fighter ace of the First World War, with 75 confirmed aerial victories. His skill and precision in air combat established him as a legendary figure in early 20th-century military aviation history.
Canadian flying ace of World War I
(+2)
Billy Bishop was a Canadian flying ace of the First World War, credited with 72 aerial victories, making him the top Canadian and British Empire ace. His skill and bravery in combat established him as a legendary figure in early military aviation history.
First solo transatlantic flight
(+2)
Charles Lindbergh is renowned for his historic solo nonstop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927. This feat, accomplished in 'The Spirit of St. Louis', was an unprecedented achievement that significantly propelled aviation development in the early 20th century.
First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
(+4)
Amelia Earhart was an American aviator who broke barriers in early 20th-century aviation. She became world-renowned for being the first woman to complete a nonstop solo transatlantic flight in 1932, a milestone that symbolized courage and progress. Her pioneering achievements established her as an iconic figure in aviation history.
Glenn Curtiss was a crucial pioneer who shaped American aviation development in the early 20th century. His innovations in aircraft and engine design, along with the founding of the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, laid the groundwork for the aeronautical industry. Furthermore, he is recognized as the “Father of Naval Aviation” for his role in training the first Naval pilots and developing hydroaeroplanes.
First American woman to earn a pilot's license
(+1)
Harriet Quimby was a pivotal figure in early aviation, becoming the first woman in the United States to receive a pilot's license in 1911. She further distinguished herself by becoming the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel in 1912, demonstrating exceptional skill and bravery in a male-dominated era.
Anthony Fokker was a pivotal aviation pioneer, renowned for founding the Fokker company and designing some of the most influential aircraft of the early 20th century. His work in manufacturing fighter aircraft during World War I, such as the Fokker D.VII, and his invention of the synchronization gear, revolutionized aircraft design and capability.
Pioneering aviator of the early 20th century
Eugene Ely was a pivotal aviation pioneer, achieving the first airplane takeoff and landing on a warship. His feats laid the groundwork for the development of modern naval aviation in the early 20th century.
Our methodology for ranking historical aviators from the early 20th century is based on a combination of recognizing their pioneering achievements, the impact of their innovations, and the relevance of their contributions to the development of aviation.