Grades 3–5 · From a toy helicopter to the first powered flight on December 17, 1903.

The Wright Brothers' First Flight

The Beginning of Flight

1878: Their father gives them a toy helicopter powered by a rubber band, sparking their interest in flight.

1892: The Wright brothers open a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, which funds their flying experiments.

1899: They test 'wing warping' with a large kite to improve steering.

1900-1902: They fly gliders on the windy sand dunes near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

1901: The Wright brothers build a small wind tunnel to test about 200 wing shapes.

December 17, 1903: Orville makes the first powered, controlled flight, lasting 12 seconds and 120 feet.

December 17, 1903: Later that day, Wilbur flies 852 feet in 59 seconds.

1905: The Flyer III is capable of banking, turning, and flying for over 30 minutes.