Daniel J. Maloney

Daniel John Maloney (circa 1879[1] – July 18, 1905) was an American pioneering aviator and test pilot who made the first high-altitude flights by man using a Montgomery glider in 1905.

On March 17, 1905, a second flight, Maloney released at an estimated 3,000 feet (910 m) above ground and controlled the glider through a set of pre-defined turns at 45-degree bank angles back to the launch location with a successful landing.

These experiments of March 1905 were made in a private setting, with Montgomery increasing Maloney's control authority over the aircraft on each subsequent flight.

With a large crowd and members of the local press on hand, Maloney released at an estimated 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above ground level, and glided in full control for roughly 20 minutes to a perfect landing a predetermined location.

[15] In San Jose, California, Daniel Maloney Drive is named in his honor and features John J. Montgomery Elementary School.