Besides being known as the worlds greatest escape artist, what other feat is Harry Houdini credited with?
Most people have heard of the great Harry Houdini, and his ability to get out of all types of jail cells, boxes, chains, and handcuffs. Harry also had an interest in airplanes, which were still very new at the time. Houdini owned and flew a Voisin biplane that he had bought in Germany.
On March 18,1910 Houdini made the very first heavier than air flight in Australia. The flight was recognized by the Federation Aeronautique International, and Harry was awarded for being the first. After making 18 flights in Australia the plane was crated and sent back to England. Although Houdini had plans to use the plane as a stunt to promote his escape performances, he never flew the plane again.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
42 Comments
James Strongman
Not true. the first person to fly a plane in Australia was an Englishman by the name of Colin Defries as certified by the Aero Club of Great Britain - appologies to Harry
Dirk A Schnarr
Not true! Follow the link and read the portion of this article regarding Houdini as an aviator
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Houdini
Jim Main
The part about the invention of a new type of handcuffs is true as well.
Clayton Dean Brannon
I knew the answer but he was falsely credit with this feat.
Char
Dave Mac, Thank You
Char
Leanna Greenbush, me too
Char
I missed that thanks I had no clue about him flying a plane
Caroline Cannon
WRONG ANSWER. He was not the first to fly. It was an Englishman.
John Flaxman
Actually it was Hargreaves but he was never credited with it. I am Australian and the feat took place in Sydney
ninakamwene
No clue
Leanna Greenbush
No clue. Got it wrong.
Dave Mac
You can dispute all you want, but Houdini was given an award and recognized by the Federation Aeronautique International as the first heavier than air flight.
Annie
He also exposed fake spiritualists! Tried acting. Aviator. Amazing.
Larry Miller III
Australia disputes this.
Noreen Kelly
I've read much about Harry some years ago and never forgot about him flying because he did it often and so early on that it was a remarkable plight that didn't get enough attention but he was more than arenowned magician!
Cheryl McMeekin
Had no idea.
Maho girl
Thank you, 50/50 . . . Good guess & learning experience
John McLardie
James Strongman, you are quite correct. Houdini may have originally claimed the feat but, as you state that was debunked later.
Felix Salazar
The fact is he was not the first .