Julia Neumann

Ms. Levesque
Communications
9 November 2016
The First Flight
The date is December 17, 1903. I find myself standing on a field in Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina on a breezy day. Every time I take a breath the cold air flows out in a
white stream. Orville and Wilbur Wright are the only people in sight. Quietly, they
discuss their confidence, surely questioning their idea. The Wright Brothers have just
begun to test their most advanced contraption, a piloted flying machine that is able to
support people. At this moment, I can only assure myself that their efforts will prove
successful.
Right now, it is believed that the idea of a human flying is absurd and impossible.
However, Wilbur, 28, and Orville, 24, do not agree with this common conviction; they
believe it is possible. Being as clever as they are, they decided to prove everyone wrong.
They embarked on a journey, but their idea of aeronautical engineering and the Wright
Flyer did not come overnight. It has taken many years of hard work and research to
discover the key to flight.
Their journey began in 1893 when they opened a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio.
The knowledge gained from working with the newest technology proved to be valuable
towards their present studies. When the bicycle era ended in 1895, they took a new path
and began researching aeronautical engineering. This new concept was strange yet
fascinating to them, as they seized every opportunity available to learn more. Their

fascination led to the construction of a dozen or so kites, each one using different
materials and methods. After working with kites, the Wright Brothers built their first
glider in 1898, taking a big step towards where they are today. It included their
breakthrough idea, wing warping. Even though it was unsuccessful, this trial helped
shape their current knowledge. Their second plane was built in 1900 and called the
Wright Glider. This model also incorporated wing warping, but, unlike their other
attempts, the glider was piloted. However, it was still unsuccessful. But these errors did
not stop the Wright Brothers, they kept working hard and are now testing their third
plane, the Wright Flyer.
I shake myself out of my thoughts and bring my attention back to the moment.
Wilbur has just barely entered the Wright Flyer. He will be piloting this test due to the
results of a coin toss. Orville now stands in the field with the controls in hand as he
fidgets with his thin, wool coat. I am not surprised most think this plane will prove
unsuccessful because the Wright Flyer looks unprofessional and similar to a toy a young
child would play with. It has a simple airframe made out of wood and is covered in
muslin, a lightweight cloth. I notice Wilbur looking hopefully towards the four-cylinder
engine, one of their new features, probably praying it will carry him and the plane.
Because of its monstrous size, the Wright Flyer has been placed atop a 60 foot launching
rail going down a hill. Wilbur and Orville are standing at the base of the launching path
wishing each other luck in preparation for their flight. Questions I do not have the
answers to keep playing in my head. Will they be successful? What happens if they fail?
The Wright Flyer has just begun the journey down the launching pad, traveling
extremely fast. Now is the moment of truth, will their efforts be worth it? I hold my

breath. The horizontal hand levers in front of Orville are flexing up and down, controlling
the planes pitch. Wind is blowing violently and Wilbur is yelling commands, yet all I can
hear is my heart pounding in my chest. The Wright Flyer is approaching the base of the
launching path when suddenly, it is in the air! I am in awe. The flyer seems to stay
airborne for minutes, souring over my head. When it gracefully lands on the ground
Wilbur checks his timer and shouts, It stayed airborne for twelve whole seconds! Twelve
seconds! Orville runs over towards Wilbur with a vast grin on his face.
Not only that, but the flyer ended up traveling a total of 120 feet! This is
incredible! Orville adds. The Wright Brothers are ecstatic, their invention is successful!
Words cannot describe how unbelievable this achievement is.
Moments ago, man flew for the first time and I witnessed it. This moment is truly
outstanding. I hope this day will be remembered in history as the moment the Wright
Flyer became the first heavier-than-air machine to sustain flight with a pilot aboard. A
lifetime of hard work and research has paid off, and man has finally flown. I cannot
believe it; the impossible was just proved possible. Who knows what their discoveries
will influence in the future!

Bibliography
"The Wright Brothers" The Wright Brothers | Kitty Hawk: Testing Grounds. National Air
andSpace Museum, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.