Aviation Pioneer. Born Augustus Roy Knabenshue in Lancaster, Ohio, he is regarded as the Father of aerial transportation. As one of the first in America to pilot a steer-able balloon, he piloted the first successful dirigible flight in America at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. In 1905, he was the first to make a dirigible flight over New York and flew to a height of 2000 feet, returning to land at his takeoff point. After working as the general manager for the Wright Brothers, he went west and built the first passenger dirigible, a 13-passenger airship. From 1933 to 1944, he worked as an air observer for the National Park Service and continued aeronautical research until his death. He is also a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Aviation Pioneer. Born Augustus Roy Knabenshue in Lancaster, Ohio, he is regarded as the Father of aerial transportation. As one of the first in America to pilot a steer-able balloon, he piloted the first successful dirigible flight in America at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. In 1905, he was the first to make a dirigible flight over New York and flew to a height of 2000 feet, returning to land at his takeoff point. After working as the general manager for the Wright Brothers, he went west and built the first passenger dirigible, a 13-passenger airship. From 1933 to 1944, he worked as an air observer for the National Park Service and continued aeronautical research until his death. He is also a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
ROY KNABENSHUE
1876 - 1960
America's First Dirigible Pilot
St. Louis, MO, Oct. 24, 1904
Father of Aerial Transportation
Built First Passenger Dirigible in U.S.
Family Members
Advertisement
