November 05

John Alcock was a pioneering British pilot who served in the Royal Navy Air Service and later the Royal Air Force during World War I. Alongside navigator Arthur Whitten Brown, he achieved the first non-stop transatlantic flight in June 1919, flying from Newfoundland to Ireland in a modified Vickers Vimy bomber. Their historic journey demonstrated the potential of long-distance air travel and earned them knighthoods from King George V. Alcock's achievement opened the door to commercial aviation and inspired future aviators. Tragically, he died later in 1919 during a flight in Ireland. His daring spirit and skill remain celebrated in aviation history.

Born Jacqueline Douet in 1917, she became one of France's pioneering female pilots. After surviving a near-fatal crash in 1948, she returned to break the women's air speed record three times. Auriol flew jet fighters for the French Air Force and worked as a test pilot for Sud Aviation. In 1953, she became the first woman to exceed 1,000 km/h in flight. She accumulated several speed records, earning international acclaim and the Legion of Honor. Auriol's courage and skill paved the way for future generations of women in aviation.

Born in 1959, Tomo Česen is one of Slovenia’s most celebrated alpinists, renowned for his bold solo climbs in the Himalayas during the 1980s. He claimed first solo ascents of routes on Annapurna and Makalu, showcasing his endurance and technical skill at high altitudes. Česen’s achievements inspired a generation of climbers in his homeland and around the world. While some of his solo claims generated debate, his contributions to alpine climbing remain significant. Beyond expeditions, he has written about his experiences, sharing insights into the mental and physical demands of extreme mountaineering.