In pictures: Aviation pioneer Gustave Whitehead

In 1998, a reproduction of Whitehead's flying machine -- For better identification the Airframe Replica was given the number "GW-21B" -- took a quick flight of its own. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Gustave Whitehead, 2nd from left, with visitors in front of his "No 21". At his feet the self built gas pressure motor. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Rear view of "No. 21". Gustav Whitehead with helpers and daughter Rose on his lap. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Aviation Pioneer Whitehead with daughter Rose in front of his "No. 21". In the foreground is his self-built gas pressure motor. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

The gas pressure motor was used to drive the wheels. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

A glider built by Whitehead with foldable wings for easier transport. It was patented in 1908. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

A functional replica of the Whitehead Motor. The motor is fueled with acetylene gas with oxidizer added for higher pressure. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Top view of Whitehead's flying machine, "No. 21". (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Louis Darvarich, an important assistant to Whitehead, who, prior to the turn of the last century, was the stoker for a flight in Pittsburgh. (light Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Anton Pruckner, who became Whitehead's most important assistant. He was eyewittness to the first successful powered flight on August 14, 1901.

Louisa Whitehead, nee Tuba, wife of aviation pioneer Gustave Whitehead. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Side view of the flying machine "No. 21" of 1901. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Front view of the flying machine "No. 21" of 1901. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Top view of the flying machine "No. 21" of 1901. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Three-view drawing of Whitehead's flying machine "No. 21" of 1901. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

The airframe replica of Gustave Whiteheads flying machine "No. 21" in successful flight (1998). (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

Top view of the flyable airframe replica of the "No. 21". (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

This photo shows the Aviation-Pioneer-Gustave-Whitehead-Museum in his native town Leutershausen. The former Regional Court building is also the home of the Museum of Local History. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)

The exhibit at the Aviation Pioneer Gustave Whitehead Museum. (Flight Historical Research Foundation Gustav Weisskopf)