17 Dec
On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully flew the first powered flying machine in Kitty Hawk, N.C. Even though the flight lasted for only 12 seconds and 120 feet.
On the fourth and final flight of the day, Wilbur traveled 852 feet, remaining airborne for 59 seconds. That morning, the brothers became the first people to demonstrate sustained flight of a heavier-than-air machine under the complete control of the pilot and it remains one of the most momentous achievements in modern day history.
They built their 1903 glider in sections in the back room of their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop. That afternoon, the Wright brothers walked the four miles to Kitty Hawk and sent a telegram to their father, Bishop Milton Wright, back home in Dayton:
Success four flights thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from level with engine power alone average speed through air thirty one miles longest 57 seconds inform Press home Christmas.
In 1963, to commemorate this outstanding achievement, the U.S. Congress proclaimed Dec. 17 to be 'Wright Brothers Day.'
Did you know?
- The Wright brothers began their careers as bicycle-makers.
- Orville Wright was the one who flew the famous first flight.
- Nearly two years after their first successful flight, the brothers flew 24 miles in just 38 minutes.
On the fourth and final flight of the day, Wilbur traveled 852 feet, remaining airborne for 59 seconds. That morning, the brothers became the first people to demonstrate sustained flight of a heavier-than-air machine under the complete control of the pilot and it remains one of the most momentous achievements in modern day history.
They built their 1903 glider in sections in the back room of their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop. That afternoon, the Wright brothers walked the four miles to Kitty Hawk and sent a telegram to their father, Bishop Milton Wright, back home in Dayton:
Success four flights thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from level with engine power alone average speed through air thirty one miles longest 57 seconds inform Press home Christmas.
In 1963, to commemorate this outstanding achievement, the U.S. Congress proclaimed Dec. 17 to be 'Wright Brothers Day.'
Did you know?
- The Wright brothers began their careers as bicycle-makers.
- Orville Wright was the one who flew the famous first flight.
- Nearly two years after their first successful flight, the brothers flew 24 miles in just 38 minutes.