Paul Cornu made the first piloted free flight in a rotary wing aircraft at Lisieux, Calvados, France on November 13, 1907. This first flight lifted Cornu about 30 cm (1 ft) and lasted 20 seconds. This is sometimes recognized as the first (but impractical) helicopter flight.

Cornu was a manufacturer of bicycles by trade.

Paul Cornu | Paul Cornu | ポール・コルニュ | Paul Cornu