<P> Experiments with gliders provided the groundwork for heavier - than - air craft, and by the early - 20th century, advances in engine technology and aerodynamics made controlled, powered flight possible for the first time . The modern aeroplane with its characteristic tail was established by 1909 and from then on the history of the aeroplane became tied to the development of more and more powerful engines . </P> <P> The first great ships of the air were the rigid dirigible balloons pioneered by Ferdinand von Zeppelin, which soon became synonymous with airships and dominated long - distance flight until the 1930s, when large flying boats became popular . After World War II, the flying boats were in their turn replaced by land planes, and the new and immensely powerful jet engine revolutionised both air travel and military aviation . </P> <P> In the latter part of the 20th century the advent of digital electronics produced great advances in flight instrumentation and "fly - by - wire" systems . The 21st century saw the large - scale use of pilotless drones for military, civilian and leisure use . With digital controls, inherently unstable aircraft such as flying wings became possible . </P> <P> The origin of mankind's desire to fly is lost in the distant past . From the earliest legends there have been stories of men strapping birdlike wings, stiffened cloaks or other devices to themselves and attempting to fly, typically by jumping off a tower . The Greek legend of Daedalus and Icarus is one of the earliest known; others originated from India, China and the European Middle Age . During this early period the issues of lift, stability and control were not understood, and most attempts ended in serious injury or death . </P>

When did the passenger plane become a reality