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Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright were born in Indiana and Ohio, respectively. 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. The brothers also provided an example of determination in spite of failure.<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Parental Influence<\/strong><\/p>\n Orville and Wilbur\u2019s mother was a key influence and motivator in their lives. As children, Wilbur and Orville also looked to their mother for mechanical expertise and their father for intellectual challenge. The Wright brothers later said their interest in aviation was sparked by a toy helicopter their father brought home.<\/p>\n 2. Wilbur\u2019s Severe Injury<\/strong><\/p>\n Wilbur suffered a severe injury and Orville started a printing business after his schooling so neither of the brothers left to attend college. This was a fortunate occurrence indeed, for had they been separated the plane as we know it may never have been invented.<\/p>\n 3. First Glider<\/strong><\/p>\n In August of 1900, Wilbur built his first glider. In one of Wilbur\u2019s 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.”<\/p>\n 4. Experimentation and Studying<\/strong><\/p>\n The Wright brothers were very thorough in the tests that they conducted before they ever took flight. They experimented with model versions of their flying machines before building life-size prototypes. They studied average wind speeds, the effects of different wingspans and shapes, wind tunnel effects, etc. before they built the famous1903 Flyer.<\/p>\n 5. 12 Seconds, 120 Feet<\/strong><\/p>\n On December 17, 1903 at 10:35 a.m., the Wright brothers successfully made the first “heavier-than-air, machine powered flight” in the world. The flight lasted only 12 seconds and covered just 120 feet. Subsequent flight and modifications to the plane would yield longer flight times and distances.<\/p>\n 6. Successful in Flight<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019t fly. The New York Times wrote, maybe in “1 million to 10 million years” they might be able to make a plane that would fly. It was only eight days after the U.S. Army failure and the prediction of the New York Times that the Wright brothers were successful in flying the first manned plane.<\/p>\n