Henri Farman was educated at the Paris School of Fine Arts as a painter, but his first honors were received as a bicycle racer and later an auto racing champion. In a Voisin pusher biplane, Henri and his brother, Maurice, learned to fly in 1907. Shortly thereafter, Farman purchased this aircraft and proceeded to incorporate his own design modifications of a dihedral in the wings and the reduction of the tail to a single plane. These intuitive rather than scientific modifications were the first steps in a long career in which Henri Farman diagnosed and solved a myriad of aircraft control and structural problems. On January 13th 1908, Henri Farman won the prestigious Archdeacon prize in his modified aircraft. This prize was awarded to him for demonstrating his ability to fly a circuit of one kilometer, in spite of lateral control problems. That same year, incorporation of the first efficient ailerons provided the solution to this enormously difficult and dangerous problem. Henri Farman established one of the first formal flight training schools in 1909. In 1914 he founded the Farman Aviation Works which produced over 12,000 military aircraft for France in World War I. Henri and Maurice, later joined by brother Dick, enjoyed both financial and technical success with a series of advanced designs, including the twin-engined Goliath, capable of carrying 12 passengers. Henri Farman was at the forefront of European aviation development from its infancy to maturity. His analytical skills, piloting ability, and uncommon business acumen contributed to France's major role in world aviation.
Inducted in 1988.
Portrait Location: Hall of Fame Hallway