14-BIS

Alberto Santos-Dumont (20 July 1873 – 23 July 1932) was an early pioneer of aviation. He was born, and died in Brazil. He spent most of his adult life living in France. His contributions to aviation took place while he was living in Paris, France.

Santos-Dumont designed, built, and flew the first practical dirigible balloons. In doing so he became the first person to demonstrate that routine, controlled flight was possible. This "conquest of the air", in particular winning the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize on 19 October 1901 on a flight that rounded the Eiffel Tower, made him one of the most famous people in the world during the early 20th century.

In addition to his pioneering work in airships, Santos-Dumont made the first public European flight of an airplane in Paris in October 1906. That aircraft, designated 14-bis or Oiseau de proie (French for "bird of prey"), is considered to be the first to take off, fly, and land without the use of catapults, high winds, launch rails, or other external assistance (a true airplane). In Brazil he is honored as the "Father of Aviation", ignoring the fact that three years previously, the Wright brothers had already successfully achieved flight in 1903.