23 July 1913

On 23rd July, 1913 George Prensiel, an Aviator Engineer working at the London Aerodrome, submitted a patent application "for use in saving life in connection with aerial navigation: the object being to ensure the safety of the airman in the event of an accident..." The device was intended on the activation of the pilot to rapidly release by compressed air a parachute from a cylinder situated within the fuselage. The aviator would be pulled from the aircraft to safety.