On 17th of December 1903, one of the human’s oldest dreams became true – man conquered the air. At 10:35 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Wright brothers accomplished the world’s first powered flight.
Their aircraft named “Flyer“, with Orville at the controls, took of from a 40 foot wooden rail and headed into the strong winds covering the distance of 120 feet in 12 seconds.
Until noon, Wright brothers made four flights. In the second and third attempt, Flyer flew over 175 and 200 feet. The last flight, with Wilbur at the control, lasted for 59 seconds, covering the distance of 852 feet.
The flight paths were straight without turns. Each landing was unintended and bumpy.
Before the fifth flight, Flyer was flipped over by a gust of wind which caused damage and the brothers decided to call it the day. They telegraphed the news to their father about success:
“Success four flights Thursday morning started from level with engine power alone… inform press home Christmas”.
On that day a new era of aviation started.
The Wright’s Flyer was based on the gliders Wright brothers tested at Kitty Hawk since 1900.
After successful testing of 1902 Glider during the fall of 1902, the brothers spent the winter in their Dayton workshop, developing an applicable engine and a propeller for their glider.
Upon their return to Kitty Hawk, Wright brothers suffered a series of of delays during powered experiments and after almost three months they managed to achieve their goal.
