http://www.flyingmag.com/pilots-places/pilots-adventures-more/Wr3Q7xhCMiSHxMOQ.99

In a startling announcement a few days ago, Jane's All the World's
Aircraft has named an August 1901 flight by Connecticut aviation pioneer Gustave
Whitehead as the first successful powered flight in history, beating the Wright
Brothers by more than two years. Jane's, which calls itself the world's foremost
authority on aviation history, with great authority, has traditionally backed
the Wrights as first in flight. Now they say the evidence for Whitehead's flight
is strong enough for the publication to reverse course and recognize it as the
first successful powered flight.

Jane's Editor Paul Jackson describes what happened in Bridgeport, Connecticut,
on August 14, 1901.

"It was in the summer of 1901 that Whitehead flew his airplane, which he called
the Condor. In the early hours of 14 August 1901, the Condor propelled itself
along the darkened streets of Bridgeport, Connecticut, with Whitehead, his staff
and an invited guest in attendance. In the still air of dawn, the Condor's wings
were unfolded and it took off from open land at Fairfield, 15 miles from the
city, and performed two demonstration sorties. The second was estimated as
having covered 1½ miles at a height of 50 feet, during which slight turns in
both directions were demonstrated." The length of flight and altitude reached
make the Wright's first powered foray pale in comparison.

http://www.gustave-whitehead.com/

http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065976994

Thanks to Tommy.