The Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, were pioneers of aviation. They opened a bicycle shop and taught themselves about flight by studying the work of previous aviation pioneers like Otto Lilienthal. Through experimentation and building miniature gliders, they developed theories on how to control an aircraft. On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers achieved the first successful controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, flying 120 feet in 12 seconds near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their innovations included creating their own wind tunnel for testing and devising a pulley control system for the aircraft.

1. By Kelsee S. The Wright Brothers

3. Wilbur and Orville Wilbur Wright—born April 16, 1867 in Millville, Indiana Orville Wright—born August 19, 1871 in Dayton, Ohio 3 siblings: Reuchin, Lorin, and Katharine Wright

4. Careers Began their own printing firm At 22 and 18, they built their own printing press. Started a repair business Opened a bicycle shop Created their very own bicycles

5. How it all Started… Ott Lilienthal’s work proved that manned flight was possible. The brothers learned everything they could about flying. They began designing experiments of their own. They built their 1 st miniature flying machine in the 1890s.

6. Creating Flying Machines Created their own wind tunnel A long, narrow wing shape is the best design for a flying machine. Figured how to move the vehicle freely Devised a pulley system

7. 1903 Flyer Created 1 st airplane props Used 8-foot propellers Built their own lightweight gas-powered engine 152-pound engine = 12 horsepower

8. First Flight Thursday, December 17, 1903 Kitty Hawk, North Carolina Strong winds between 22-27 M.P.H. Flew for 12 seconds at 120 feet (1908) Record flight—2 hours and 19 minutes

9. First Airplane Crash September 17, 1908 Nearly 2,000 people for the event Lt. Selfridge volunteered to be a passenger for the trial. Lt. Selfridge died from a fractured skull. Buried with military honors at the Arlington National Cemetary

10. Retirement They continued to design and manufacture planes until 1912, when Wilbur died of typhoid fever. Orville sold his shares and retired. Orville would not invent again without his brother.