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What was the first private airplane in history?

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The history of aviation began with the Wright brothers in 1903. This historic event was the beginning of one of the most revolutionary transportation models to date along with the four-wheeled vehicle.

 For many businessmen, sportsmen and public figures, flying by private plane is more practical, faster and more comfortable, but where did it start? What was the first private plane? How has it evolved?

It took 60 years from the Wright brothers' first flight to create the first private plane. The first flight occurred on October 7, 1963 in Wichita, Kansas, USA, known as the Lear Jet and piloted by Bob Hagan and Hank Beaird. The purpose of the first private airplane in history was to be used by private individuals, offering comfort, a high level of prestige and independence never seen before.

That same year the first executive jet appeared from the hand of Dassault Falcon, which were considered the pinnacle of luxury due to the quality services they offered. After the initial flight in 1963, the Lear jets were improved and the Lear Jet #2 and #3 versions appeared, completed and tested in 1964.

Unfortunately, Lear jet #1 crashed in a corn field, which generated controversy in the media and dissuaded many from viewing private jets as a safe option. However, companies continued to improve the performance of the aircraft and the services included within them. Demand began to skyrocket over the years, in part, to appearances of such aircraft in movies, photographs of presidential trips, or news stories about musicians such as Mick Jagger.

Mick Jagger and his wife, Bianca, arriving at La Guardia airport, no briefcase in sight. (May 14, 1975)

Lear jet #2 (N802L), was the first Lear jet in production and was donated to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in 1978.

Private jets have come a long way since the Lear jets of the 1960s, steadily evolving to today. Almost 60 years after the first Lear Jet #1 took off, the aeronautical industry has undergone numerous changes, allowing for more comfortable, faster, and more practical flights.


From Europair we are at your service to bring you closer to the world of private aviation, we will advise you throughout the process, answer all your questions, and find the best type of aircraft for every need.  

Do you have a business trip in mind, or would you like to consult the possibility of making it with a private flight?

Get an instant price estimate on our private flights page, contact us at web@europair.es or call +34913952025.

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