10/15/2026
On this day, October 15, 1783, the first flight by a human was carried out by French scientist Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier. The balloon, built by the Montgolfier brothers, was set up in the garden of Jean-Baptiste Réveillon on Rue du Montreuil in Paris, France. During this initial test, the balloon remained tethered to the ground, reaching a height of just 25 meters (84 feet) and staying there for approximately four minutes.
The Montgolfier brothers had conducted their first public balloon demonstrations in June 1783, followed by a flight from the gardens of the Palace of Versailles carrying farm animals as passengers. Although gas leaks prevented the balloon from reaching the height and distance the brothers had hoped for, all the animals returned safely to the ground.
After these demonstrations showed that balloon flight could be accomplished without apparent danger to its passengers, the brothers received permission from King Louis XVI to attempt a crewed flight. The king initially proposed using condemned prisoners for the mission. However, after the young and adventurous de Rozier advocated for the opportunity, the king changed his mind and allowed him to pursue the distinction of becoming the first human to fly.
Image via Bibliotheque Nationale de France
