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Jean François Pilâtre de Rozier

French aviator

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Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier was a French aviator who became the first balloon pilot. He made the first manned free flight in a hot-air balloon over Paris on November 21, 1783, with François Laurent, marquis d’Arlandes. The flight covered 16 km (10 miles) and lasted a little over 20 minutes before they safely returned to Earth.1

De Rozier was also involved in the early development of hydrogen balloons, though he is primarily remembered for his pioneering hot-air balloon flights. His achievements marked a significant step in the history of aviation, demonstrating the potential for human flight.1

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