Octave Chanute was a genuine pioneer of glider flight in the United States.  He focused his efforts on the development a mechanized system of controlling flight rather than relying on the shifting of one’s body-weight to aim the aircraft.  This was the accepted method of control at the time of Chanute’s experimentation.  He developed several successful gliders during the late 1800s, and between 1896 and 1897 Chanute’s assistants made over 1000 flights in his designs.  He was over sixty when his first glider flew.  His accumulated knowledge of flight was documented in his book, "Progress in Flying Machines" of 1894, and the Wright Brothers sought his advice in the development of their gliders.  They developed a close relationship and their success was due in part to their dealings with Chanute.

In 1980, Gordon Bainbridge beautifully crafted the Aerodrome’s reproduction of a Chanute Glider using drawings obtained from a direct descendant of Octave Chanute.  This was one of Chanute’s better known glider designs.