Eugene Burton Ely

Pilot

Birthday October 21, 1866

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Iowa

DEATH DATE Oct 19, 1911 (44)

#270,387 Most Popular

About

Famed aviator who performed with the Curtiss Exhibition team and made the first successful takeoff and landing on a ship.

Before Fame

He spent a lot of time repairing airplanes before setting his sights on a flying career.

Trivia

He nearly crashed into the sea while taking off from a makeshift flight deck built on the USS Birmingham.

Family Life

His wife, Mabel Hall, acted as his promoter and manager.

Associated With

James Doolittle was another aviation pioneer.