Ernest Archdeacon

Who was Ernest Archdeacon?

Ernest Archdeacon, was a wealthy French lawyer of Irish descent who was prominent in the pioneering of aviation in France 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, 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.

On 29 May 1908, Archdeacon became the first aeroplane passenger in Europe when he was piloted by Henry Farman at Ghent.