Talk:Early flying machines/Controversies of early flying machines

Early flying machines, such those that predated the development of practical photography are often doubted for lack of proof, and ancient machines are almost entirely dismissed for a lack of credibility. Recreations or claims made long after events can add confusion to even the more straightforward cases. The number and quality of witnesses is also often analyzed. Various governments and other organizations will often only give some claims a 'official' approval in attempt to elevate one attempt over another, usually in the interest of a national or cultural pride, or in order to set themselves up as technical and historical authority figures. A great deal of disinformation and revisions can take place as well with some claims, both from individuals and governments, to adjust the level of importance of some respective claims.

For an aircraft to be considered successful it has to satisfy several criteria:

• To be capable of taking off from level ground under its own power.
• To be capable of maintaining itself in the air for some distance.
• To be controllable while in the air.

In historical terms, it is not enough to have flown. It is firstly essential to have credible third-party witnesses.

The who flew first brouhaha originated in France in the years between the Wright Brothers 1903 flights at Kitty Hawkand their flight demonstrations at Le Mans in late 1908. There was a substantial faction among the Frenchmen who were attempting to fly who refused to believe their reports of successful powered flight. Santos-Dumont's acheivement was hailed enthusiastically.