First in Flight
On December 17, 1903, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, from Dayton, Ohio, were testing their engine-powered flying machine-the Flyer
at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. They had spent months preparing, and their first attempt three days earlier had ended in slight damage to the craft.
fter repairs, they were eager to try again.
With help from a hired crew, they carried the Flyer to a hilltop. It was mounted on a guiding rail and held in place with wires. Orville climbed
to pilot the craft. The wires were released, and the Flyer moved down the rail, lifting quickly into the air. It climbed briefly and then landed. The
yer had flown 120 feet (36.6 meters) and was aloft for 12 seconds.
After minor repairs, they tried again. With Wilbur piloting this time, the Flyer traveled 175 feet (53 meters). Another success! Still, the
rothers were intent on continuing. The crew hauled the craft back to the starting rail for Orville to make a third attempt. He flew a distance of
00 feet (61 meters)!
The brothers were still not satisfied, and Wilbur climbed aboard again. Once aloft, the Flyer wavered slightly, but Wilbur gained control and
eveled the craft. Suddenly, the Flyer pitched head down to the ground. Wilbur was safe, but the Flyer suffered a damaged rudder. This time, it had
lown 59 seconds for 852 feet (260 meters). On this momentous day, the first powered, controlled airplane had taken flight!
What does the passage emphasize about the Wright brothers' first flight attempts?
O 1. the importance of the crew
O2. the influence of the time period
3. the brothers' determination to succeed
O4. the changing of the brothers' strategy over time