Charles Green, an innovative aeronaut, revolutionized balloon flight with coal-gas inflation, contributing to the future of aviation.
The action-packed flying career of aeronaut Charles Green (1785–1870), a working-class Londoner in the infancy of aviation, who defied death in a career of 35 years and over 500 balloon flights to make a unique contribution to world aeronautical history. His decision, in 1821, to use domestic coal-gas to inflate balloons ran completely contrary to perceived wisdom, but his success in doing so revolutionised flying for the remainder of the Georgian and Victorian eras. His innovation set the direction of aeronautics for the next 80 years — until the Wright brothers changed its course again. Inventor, innovative balloon constructor, shrewd businessman, flamboyant showman and a skilled and courageous pilot, he was the first to put into practice the concept of public air travel. Charles liked a ‘tipple’ in the air — but never compromised safety — and made sure his passengers enjoyed his in-flight champagne hospitality. This earned him not only the status of a national treasure — whose very name was a by-word for all things aeronautic — but also ensured he became an international legend in his own lifetime.
