# Louis Blériot

> French aviator, inventor and engineer (1872–1936)

**Wikidata**: [Q5396](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5396)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Blériot)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/louis-bleriot

## Summary
Louis Blériot was a French aviator, inventor, and engineer most famous for being the first person to fly across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air machine, a feat that revolutionized aviation and demonstrated the practicality of powered flight.

## Biography
- Born: 1872-07-01
- Nationality: France
- Education: Educated at École Centrale Paris and Collège Sainte-Barbe
- Known for: First person to fly across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air machine
- Employer(s): Affiliated with Blériot aircraft manufacturer
- Field(s): Aviator, inventor, engineer

## Contributions
Louis Blériot developed multiple aircraft models including the Blériot III, Blériot XI, and Blériot XII. He received the Commander of the Legion of Honour and the Great Gold medal of the Société d'Encouragement au Progrès for his contributions to aviation.

## FAQs
- What was Louis Blériot's most significant achievement? He was the first person to successfully fly across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air machine.
- Where did he receive his education? He was educated at École Centrale Paris and Collège Sainte-Barbe.
- What awards did he receive? He was awarded the Commander of the Legion of Honour and the Great Gold medal of the Société d'Encouragement au Progrès.
- What company was he affiliated with? He was affiliated with the Blériot aircraft manufacturer.

## Why They Matter
Louis Blériot's flight across the English Channel in 1909 was a landmark achievement that demonstrated the practicality of powered flight and inspired further development of aviation technology. His work paved the way for modern aviation and established him as a pioneer in the field.

## Notable For
- First person to fly across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air machine
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Received the Great Gold medal of the Société d'Encouragement au Progrès
- Developed multiple aircraft models including Blériot III, Blériot XI, and Blériot XII

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Louis Charles Joseph Blériot was born on July 1, 1872, in Cambrai, France. He received his education at Collège Sainte-Barbe and later at École Centrale Paris, a prestigious French engineering school. These institutions provided him with the technical foundation that would later enable his groundbreaking work in aviation.

### Career and Achievements
Blériot began his career as an engineer and inventor, focusing on aviation technology. He founded the Blériot aircraft manufacturer, which became a leading producer of early aircraft. His most famous achievement came on July 25, 1909, when he successfully flew across the English Channel from Calais to Dover in his Blériot XI aircraft. This flight, covering approximately 36 kilometers in about 37 minutes, demonstrated the practicality of powered flight and captured international attention.

### Aircraft Development
Throughout his career, Blériot developed numerous aircraft models:
- **Blériot III**: An early aircraft prototype
- **Blériot XI**: The aircraft used for the English Channel crossing
- **Blériot XII**: A later model developed by his company

These aircraft represented significant advancements in aviation technology and design.

### Awards and Recognition
Blériot received several prestigious awards for his contributions to aviation:
- **Commander of the Legion of Honour**: The third rank of the French Legion of Honour
- **Great Gold medal of the Société d'Encouragement au Progrès**: A French award recognizing significant contributions to progress

### Legacy
Louis Blériot died on August 1, 1936. His work had a profound impact on the development of aviation, inspiring generations of pilots and engineers. The Blériot aircraft company continued to produce aircraft, and his legacy as a pioneer in aviation remains significant in the history of flight. The asteroid 11248 Blériot and the Blériot Glacier in Antarctica are named in his honor, recognizing his lasting influence on the field.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://www.disabilityimages.com/image/en/2334476/louis-bl-riot-and-his-wife-alice-v-d-re-after-his-cross-channel-flight-in-1909--louis-charles-joseph-bl-riot-1872-1936--french-aviator-inventor-and-engineer--from-the-wonderful-year-1909)
4. [Source](https://www.landrucimetieres.fr/spip/spip.php?article324#nh1)
5. Léonore database
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. [Louis Charles Joseph Bleriot. Léonore database](http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/leonore_fr?ACTION=CHERCHER&FIELD_1=COTE&VALUE_1=LH/256/105)
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
13. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
14. GeneaStar
15. Roglo
16. Croatian Encyclopedia
17. [Find a Grave](https://es.findagrave.com/memorial/11922607/louis-bleriot)
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands