Eugene Burton Ely Rank
About Eugene Burton Ely
The United States Army purchased the Wright Military Flyer in 1909, marking a significant point in military aviation. However, in 1911, the Navy actively took off with a series of groundbreaking innovations and that was when Eugene Burton Ely accomplished the first successful landing and take-off from a naval vessel, demonstrating that it was possible to commute from the sea.
Early Life
Ely went to a local school for a while before enrolling at Iowa State University, where he was able to pursue his lifelong passion for mechanics. After finishing college in 1904, he moved to San Francisco, where he immersed himself in the budding automotive industry. He had an early aptitude for driving and a lifelong fascination with cars and their engines, which led him to work as a chauffeur and eventually compete in local auto races, making him one of the first auto racers in the United States.
Career in Aviation
Ely got into contact with Captain Washington Irving Chambers, who was in charge of military application for aviation within the Navy. Chambers enrolled Ely into the program in 1910, where he began testing various Curtiss Pushers. The program failed countless times until he successfully landed his armored cruiser USS in 1911. Ely thus became the first person to successfully shipboard the landing of an aircraft.
Personal Life
The aviation pioneer married Mabel Hall in 1907.
Eugene Burton Ely Rank
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F.A.Q. about Eugene Burton Ely
When is his birthday?
Eugene Burton Ely's birthday is on October 21, 1886.
In how many days is his birthday?
Eugene's birthday is in 179 days
How old was Eugene when he died?
He was 24 years old.
When did he die?
He died in October 19, 1911.
How old would he be today?
Eugene Burton Ely would be 137 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Eugene from?
He was born in Williamsburg, Iowa, U.S..