Chanute, Octave, shuh NOOT, ok TAYV (1832-1910), an American civil engineer, became famous as a scientific student of gliding. He began studying aerodynamics during his late 30's, but he did not build and fly a glider until after he was 60. He built multiwing gliders and then a biplane glider which shifted the wings for control. His structural-design experience helped him to create the lightest, strongest airframes of his day. Chanute was born in Paris, France.