Otto Lilienthal’s 1894–1896 glide flights were honored in a ceremony designating Gollenberg Hill, Germany, as the “oldest airfield in the world” by AIAA on Saturday, 24 May. The ceremony included AIAA members, local community members, and representatives from the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
On the occasion, AIAA President Dan Hastings said, “The Institute strives to honor the bold people and memorable places of history that led to modern flight in the atmosphere and beyond the Kármán line. Lilienthal’s breakthroughs laid the decisive foundation for motorized flight over the air. His work directly inspired the Wright brothers and shaped the future of aviation.”
The AIAA Historic Aerospace Sites program recognizes geographical locations, with or without buildings or facilities, associated with significant aerospace achievements, programs or individuals. Read more about the site and the ceremony from DLR: Otto Lilienthal’s Stöllner Gollenberg airfield recognised as historic aviation site.
