Flashback Friday - 1905 Wilbur Wright's "Flyer III" 24 mile, 39.5 minute flight

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We all can reap the benefits of modern day flight, even if they charge $25 per bag and keep reducing the leg room...  But in 1905 flight was just taking off and they were glad to even fly for a few mins... The famous Wright Brothers had tried several other gliders with limited success.  However on Oct 5th 1905 they took the "Flyer III" and flew it 24 miles for a total of 39.5 minutes.


Source: Wright-Brothers.org

Source: Wright-Brothers.org

The Wright Brothers had attempted other flyers; Flyers I & II that had failed.  Also the first attempts with Flyer III ended in a crash.  But with what they learned they modified the craft and eventually were able to have the famed successful flight!  They must have thought 24 miles was ready for production because soon after they wrote to the Secretary of War, offering to sell the world's first practical airplane.  Airplane....  yes, but practical?  Hmmm, might have some work to do still.  At any rate, we can give a big thanks to the Wright Brothers for getting man off the ground.


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