November 29

Henri Fabre was born in 1882 in Marseille, France, and trained as an engineer with a passion for aviation. In 1910, he achieved the world’s first successful takeoff and landing of a powered seaplane, named the "Fabre Hydravion", on the Étang de Berre. This groundbreaking flight demonstrated the feasibility of water-based aircraft operations, influencing naval aviation and future seaplane designs. Fabre continued to refine his aircraft and worked on related marine engineering projects. His innovations earned him recognition by aviation societies and inspired other pioneers in the field. Later in life, he served as a consultant and mentor to younger aviators. Fabre died in 1984, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in early flight and engineering.