Today in History: The Wright Brothers’ First Flight

By Y.M. Lowy

On December 17, 1903, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright made history by achieving the first successful powered flight. The event took place in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where the brothers tested their aircraft, the Wright Flyer.

Orville piloted the first flight, which lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Later that day, Wilbur flew for 59 seconds, reaching a distance of 852 feet. Though the flights were short, they marked the beginning of modern aviation.

The Wright brothers, who owned a bicycle shop in Ohio, had spent years studying flight and experimenting with gliders. By adding an engine and developing control systems, they solved the challenge of sustained, powered flight.

Their success not only proved humans could fly but also paved the way for airplanes to change transportation, communication, and travel forever.

Today, their achievement is remembered as a turning point in history, inspiring generations to dream of the skies and beyond.

photo: Shutterstock