2025Historical Figures - Heraclio Alfaro Fournier - Promotion

Heraclio Alfaro Fournier (Vitoria, 1893–1962) was a Spanish aeronautical engineer and aviator considered one of the pioneers of aviation in Spain. The grandson of the founder of the Fournier playing card factory, he showed a keen interest in aeronautics from a young age. He studied in Vitoria and Ghent and became passionate about flying when, in 1909, he witnessed some fellow countrymen attempt to fly a replica of the Wright brothers' Flyer. At just 16, Alfaro was already building and piloting gliders. In 1911, he trained as a pilot in France, becoming, at 18, one of the youngest officially licensed aviators in the world.