Count Ferdinand of Zeppelin is probably one of the most famous pioneers of aviation. He was very popular among his fellow citizens although at first many of them called him “foolish count,” because they didn’t believe his inventions would work. But as soon as the first Zeppelin flew, the small, fat count that had a bald head and a white moustache was celebrated by everyone. He wore a blue uniform and white sailor’s cap.

Ferdinand Graf Zeppelin was born on July 8th 1838 in Constance on lake Constance. As a twelve-year-old boy, he began to be more and more interested in technology. From the age of 17 onwards he attended the military education. He served in the army willingly and dependably, that’s why he was appointed first lieutenant in 1858. In February 1863 he moved to the USA to get some more military education. The civil war was going on in the USA at the time. In August 1863 he flew with a hot-air ballon for the first time, which reached a height of 700 metres, which was very high for that time. This experience heightened his interest in aeronautics. He got an idea to build an airship from a friend. At first he thought of an “air train” with wagons that could be connected and taken off as required .This idea was patented and in 1899, construction was started. During the construction, the “air train” transformed gradually into a Zeppelin.

In 1900 the first Zeppelin took off above Lake Constance.

Graf Zeppelin died on the 8th of March 1917.

 

---

"Flight Home"