Santos Dumont and Early Aviation

In the early 20th century, Brazilian aviator Santos Dumont became a legend in Paris by demonstrating that airships could be controlled with engines. Despite numerous setbacks, including accidents and an explosion, Dumont's persistence led to significant achievements, such as flying around the Eiffel Tower and winning the Deutsch Award. Meanwhile, the Wright Brothers in the U.S. claimed to have built the first airplane but kept their work secret. In contrast, Dumont's 1906 flight with the 14 bis was publicly documented, marking the first controlled flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft without rails or catapults.

What was the main challenge Santos Dumont faced with his early airships?

• Insufficient public interest

• Difficulty in controlling direction

• Unstable weather conditions

• Lack of funding

What was the outcome of Santos Dumont's first airship attempt?

• It ended in an accident

• It was never completed

• It successfully circled the Eiffel Tower

• It won an international award

How did Santos Dumont gain recognition in Paris?

• By inventing a new type of engine

• By flying over the city multiple times

• By winning a race

• By writing a book on aviation

What award did Santos Dumont win for his flight around the Eiffel Tower?

• The Wright Brothers Medal

• The Paris Aviation Trophy

• The Deutsch Award

• The Nobel Prize

What was unusual about the Wright Brothers' first flight?

• It was conducted in secret

• It was the longest flight of the time

• It was done with a hot air balloon

• It was witnessed by thousands

Why did aeronautical authorities require public demonstrations of flights?

• To promote aviation technology

• To ensure safety standards

• To attract more spectators

• To verify the authenticity of the flights

What was the significance of Santos Dumont's 14 bis flight?

• It was the first flight over the Atlantic

• It was the first controlled flight without rails or catapults

• It was the first flight to carry passengers

• It was the first flight to use a jet engine

What was the reaction of the Wright Brothers to Santos Dumont's public flight demonstration?

• They ignored the event

• They challenged him to a race

• They congratulated him

• They attended the demonstration

What was the main feature of the 14 bis flight that set it apart from previous attempts?

• It was filmed and documented scientifically

• It was conducted at night

• It was powered by solar energy

• It was the longest flight of the time

What was the primary reason for creating the prize of the Airclub of France?

• To fund future aviation projects

• To encourage international competition

• To promote tourism in France

• To recognize the first pilot to fly over 200 meters