How the 1903 Wright Flyer Worked

1903 Wright Flyer

The Wright Brothers wanted to solve the problem of flight and create the first powered, piloted, controlled, heavier-than-air craft. Throughout their experiments they continued to innovate and achieved that dream on December 17, 1903. To learn how the 1903 Wright Flyer solved those problems, watch this video series by park rangers at Wright Brothers National Memorial using the replica 1903 Wright Flyer located in the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center.
Each of the vidoes on wing-warping, pitch control, and adding power with an engine are all problems the brothers were able to solve together through their dedication, hard-work, and ingenuity.

 

Duration:

7 minutes, 31 seconds

Have you ever wondered how Wilbur and Orville made controlled turns in the air? Join Ranger Ashley as she demonstrates the wing warping control system on a replica of the 1903 Flyer.

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 12 seconds

Ranger Ashley demonstrated roll and yaw in the wing warping demonstration. In this short video, she'll explain how Wilbur and Orville controlled the pitch of their flyer.

 

Duration:

2 minutes, 20 seconds

Did you know that the engine on the 1903 Flyer was built by Wilbur and Orville's friend and bicycle mechanic, Charlie Taylor?