The Resume

(May 23, 1848-August 10, 1896)
Born in Anklam, Germany
Known as the 'Glider King'
Made over 2,000 flights in gliders of his own design (1891-96)
Died in a glider crash
Last words were reportedly 'Sacrifices must be made'

Why he might be annoying:

He believed that planes with flapping wings would be the only practical powered flying machines.
His gliders were difficult to maneuverer and had a tendency to pitch downward.
He created a safety device, a rebound bar, to absorb the impact of a crash, but did not install it on his latest glider design before his final flight.

Why he might not be annoying:

He invented an improved engine design that gave him the financial freedom to pursue his interest in flight.
He introduced a 25% profit sharing plan for workers in his company.
Wilbur Wright wrote, 'Of all the men who attacked the flying problem in the 19th century, Otto Lilienthal was easily the most important.'

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 23]
• Google Modified Its Logo For My Birthday (Google Doodles)
• I Died While Flying
• I Named My Kid After Myself
• Inventors
• Profiles 26751-27000 (Ranked: 26785)

Year In Review:

For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2023, Out of 9 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 13 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 19 Votes: 52.63% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 13 Votes: 38.46% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 13 Votes: 30.77% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 23 Votes: 39.13% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 12 Votes: 25.00% Annoying