What type of platform did Eugene Ely use for his first flight at sea?

Eugene Ely's first flight at sea took place using a wooden platform, specifically a makeshift deck built on the cruiser USS Birmingham. This marked a significant moment in aviation history, as Ely became the first person to take off from a ship on November 14, 1910. The choice of wood as a material was practical at the time, given its accessibility and suitability for constructing lightweight, temporary structures. Wooden platforms allowed for enough strength to withstand the weight of an aircraft while being easily maneuverable and adaptable for the needs of early aviation experiments.

In the context of the other options, concrete, steel, and rubber would not have offered the same level of practicality or the ability to be quickly assembled and dismantled as was needed for Ely’s pioneering flight at sea. Concrete would be too heavy and rigid, steel would add considerable weight and complexity to the construction, and rubber would lack the structural integrity required to support an aircraft taking off or landing.