wilbur and orville wright by augusta stevenson

The United States Army was actually trying to develop an airplane in 1903 (right about the time that the Wright brothers were experimenting with various flying machines), but the plane wouldn’t fly. Subsequent flight and modifications to the plane would yield longer flight times and distances. The flight lasted only 12 seconds and covered just 120 feet. On Decemat 10:35 a.m., the Wright brothers successfully made the first “heavier-than-air, machine powered flight” in the world. They studied average wind speeds, the effects of different wingspans and shapes, wind tunnel effects, etc. They experimented with model versions of their flying machines before building life-size prototypes. The Wright brothers were very thorough in the tests that they conducted before they ever took flight. In one of Wilbur’s interview he said, “For some years I have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man.” “It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill.” In August of 1900, Wilbur built his first glider. This was a fortunate occurrence indeed, for had they been separated the plane as we know it may never have been invented.

Wilbur suffered a severe injury and Orville started a printing business after his schooling so neither of the brothers left to attend college. The Wright brothers later said their interest in aviation was sparked by a toy helicopter their father brought home. As children, Wilbur and Orville also looked to their mother for mechanical expertise and their father for intellectual challenge. Orville and Wilbur’s mother was a key influence and motivator in their lives. The brothers also provided an example of determination in spite of failure. Not only are the Wright brothers responsible for making the first “plane” they are also credited with convincing the entire world that flight was within reach. Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright were born in Indiana and Ohio, respectively.

Wilbur and orville wright by augusta stevenson