Ernest Archdeacon

Ernest Archdeacon (23 March 1863 – 3 January 1950) was a French lawyer and aviation pioneer 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 (Coupe d'Aviation Ernest Archdeacon and the Deutsch de la Meurthe-Archdeacon prize), 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. Early life Archdeacon was born and raised in Paris, and studied law for a career at the bar. His passionate interest in science led him to also study ballooning and aviation, and in 1884, at age 20, he made his first balloon flight. Motoring Archdeacon was a keen sporting motorist, taking part in many of the main events of the period.