L'Aviateur Pégoud
~The Story of France's Pioneer Acrobatic Pilot & First Flying Ace~
Born on June 13, 1889 in the small farming village of Montferrat, Isere, France, Célestine-Adolphe Pégoud (pronounced Pee-goo) joined the French Colonial Army at 18, serving in Morocco. He flew for the first time as a passenger in 1911 with army officer Louis Carlin. It was the dawn of aviation and though improvements were always being made, aircraft during this period remained flimsy and dangerous. Turns had to be planned in advance and pilots were wary of any maneuver that could be called a 'stunt'. Leaving military service in early 1913 Pégoud was hired by Louis Bleriot testing Bleriot XI monoplanes as they left the factory. Within a few months Pégoud had used the aging design to become the most famous aviator in the world. The first pilot to jump from his own plane by parachute and the first to soar upside down, during the Summer of 1913 Pégoud created acrobatic flying. His exhibitions in 1913/14 thrilled European audiences and brought him wealth and international celebrity.
Pégoud's fame spread through postcards bearing his image that were produced and sold in several countries. In Paris cocktails were named in his honor and restaurants would erupt in applause when he entered. When the First World War exploded in August, 1914, Pégoud immediately went to France's defense. Flying many dangerous reconnaissance missions over the next year, he engaged in some of the earliest recorded air combats. Victor over six enemy machines, today he is recognized as the first aerial ace.
The first modern examination of Pégoud's life and career, L'Aviateur Pégoud contains many rare photographs of this celebrated pilot, the aircraft he flew, and the events that surround his place in history.
Pégoud's fame spread through postcards bearing his image that were produced and sold in several countries. In Paris cocktails were named in his honor and restaurants would erupt in applause when he entered. When the First World War exploded in August, 1914, Pégoud immediately went to France's defense. Flying many dangerous reconnaissance missions over the next year, he engaged in some of the earliest recorded air combats. Victor over six enemy machines, today he is recognized as the first aerial ace.
The first modern examination of Pégoud's life and career, L'Aviateur Pégoud contains many rare photographs of this celebrated pilot, the aircraft he flew, and the events that surround his place in history.
L'Aviateur Pégoud~The Story of France's Pioneer Acrobatic Pilot & First Flying Ace~By Charles Dereck Van Wickel, 120 pgs, published by Rupprect TM Press, Chicago, IL USA, copyright 2010. Available now for $35.00 plus $4 domestic shipping & handling, Paypal & personal checks accepted. International purchasers please e mail for shipping rates. Please allow two weeks for delivery. Orders and inquiries can be sent to; RupprechtTM@gmail.com
