Duigan, John (1882-1951), an Australian aviation pioneer, designed and, with the help of his brother Reginald, built the first Australian-made airplane. John flew the aircraft on July 16, 1910, barely leaving the ground. He eventually made longer flights in the aircraft. Duigan and his brother, Reginald, built all of the parts of the aircraft except for the engine and propeller.
John Robertson Duigan was born on May 31, 1882, in Terang, Victoria. He trained as a pilot and engineer in London. Duigan served in the Australian Flying Corps during World War I (1914-1918). He died on June 11, 1951.
