Stöllner Gollenberg Brandenburg: Honorary award as the oldest airfield

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The Stöllner Gollenberg in Brandenburg was officially recognized as the “oldest airfield in the world” and designated a “Historic Site of Aviation.” This was done during a plaque unveiling by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), which honors Otto Lilienthal’s pioneering achievements in aviation history.

Solemn recognition by AIAA

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) unveiled a commemorative plaque at Stöllner Gollenberg on May 24, 2025, to honor the site’s historical significance in the history of aviation. Otto Lilienthal, whose pioneering flights took place here, is recognized as one of the most important pioneers of unpowered flight. His experiments between 1894 and 1896 contributed significantly to the development of aerodynamics. AIAA President Daniel Hastings emphasized that Lilienthal’s work directly inspired the Wright brothers and served as the foundation for powered flight.

The scientific appreciation by the DLR

Representatives of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) emphasized Otto Lilienthal’s central role in modern aviation. The DLR has scientifically validated his innovative approaches through extensive research and wind tunnel experiments. Prof. Andreas Dillmann from the DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology praised the aerodynamically sound design of Lilienthal’s gliders, which he examined in extensive tests. These scientific activities underscore Lilienthal’s relevance to modern aircraft construction.

Honorable ceremony at Stöllner Gollenberg

The ceremony to unveil the memorial plaque was well attended, with prominent speakers from politics and academia highlighting Lilienthal’s achievements. DLR researcher Prof. Markus Raffel, who chaired the ceremony, demonstrated the actual flight capabilities of Lilienthal’s monoplane after extensive wind tunnel testing. His internship with the world’s first biplane underscored Lilienthal’s visionary skills in aeronautical engineering.

Historical place as a source of inspiration

The Stöllner Gollenberg, now officially recognized as the world’s oldest airfield, remains a source of inspiration for the aviation industry and technology enthusiasts. Lilienthal’s groundbreaking experiments at the Gollenberg not only influenced the subsequent development of aviation but also inspired a generation of engineers and scientists. The recognition of the site as a significant historical heritage site underscores the long-term impact of Lilienthal’s pioneering work.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is one of Germany‘s leading research and development institutions in the field of aerospace. With cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects, DLR promotes progress in these fields and makes a significant contribution to scientific knowledge about the Earth‘s atmosphere and beyond.