The First Aeronauts
Although mountaineers had already climbed over 10,000ft prior to 1783 many believed at the time that the atmosphere followed the contours of the earth and a flight to high altitude in a balloon was fraught with peril. Even though the sheep, duck & cock survived their balloon flight, obtaining consent to send a manned balloon into the sky proved difficult.
The Montgolfier’s plan caused great concern within the Court when the King reluctantly gave his consent and insisted that two criminals would be the first to fly. They would be pardoned if they returned to earth alive. He obviously didn’t rate their chances.
The Montgolfier’s refused to allow criminals the glory of being the first to fly, so with the assistance of influential allies of the Marquis d’Arandes & Francis Pilatre de Rozier, Marie Antoinette was asked to convince King Louis to let them be the first Aeronauts.
A larger stronger balloon was constructed. 70ft in height and 49ft in diameter. The neck of the balloon was 16ft wide with a gallery made from wicker around it. The gallery was sown to the balloon with chords and a fire basket of wrought iron was slung from the bottom of the neck by chains.
With human lives at stake great care was taken in its construction. The crowds grew larger, Paris was becoming balloon mad.
The first test flight was carried out on 15th October with Pilatre de Rozier. The balloon was tied to the ground via 80ft long ropes, Rozier used the occasion to start learning the skills to fly a hot air balloon.
Test flight prior to manned balloon flight
Three more tethered flights were carried out on 19th October, this time to heights of over 300ft. With his flying improving de Rozier was able to remain airborne for over 9 minutes. Now visible to a wide area, public interest was growing intense, it was time to take to the skies….
The flight from Chateau La Muatte on 21st November almost didn’t happen. Despite the ascent not being advertised word had spread like wildfire through Paris and a huge crowd was in attendance. Moments prior to launch a strong wind took control of the balloon causing extensive damage. The crowd was growing restless so a team of seamstresses were hastily employed to repair the damage to make preparations for another flight attempt.
So at 1.54pm on 21st November 1783 man took to the skies. As the balloon ascended out of the gardens both aeronauts, Pilatre de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes raised their hats as a salute to the sea of faces witnessing the historic event below.
The first manned hot air balloon flights
The Marquis own account of this historical event is similar to anyone’s description today of their first balloon flight. His description of the experience was of silence and the absence of movement.
The flight was a great success except for some anxious moments when a few small fires broke out in the neck of the balloon, quickly put out with the use of a sponge attached to a stick! The 25min balloon flight travelled a distance of 8km.
Some accounts say a height of 3000ft was reached but most of the flight was carried out at low level and sometimes very close to Paris buildings and the river Seine. They were so low at one point de Roziere had to encourage the Marquis to stop enjoying the view and feed the fire.
The 1st Aeronauts - Francis Pilatre de Rozier & Marquis d’Arlandes
After a gentle landing they returned to the Feveillon Gardens to celebrate their achievement, with lots of champagne of course.
And what of Professor Charles and his gas balloon now that the Montogolfiers have claimed the glory?
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