The Wright Flight Academy

Through an innovative partnership with Dare County Schools, Students will build an airplane at Wright Brothers National Memorial from 2023-2025.

NPS Photo

Wright Brothers National Memorial: Where STEM Takes Flight

Beginning with the 2023 school year, students from First Flight High School will embark on a two-year journey to learn about aviation, science, and engineering through building a workable airplane on the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial.

A small class from First Flight High School will work with a dedicated teacher on this ambitious project. Students will spend time in the classroom, as well as in a laboratory at Wright Brothers National Memorial to complete the project. At the conclusion of the project, the airplane will be certified for flight at Wright Brothers National Memorial's First Flight Airport. National Park Service Rangers will work closely with the class to not only share the Wright Brothers story with the students, but to learn from the class as well. Check back for updates on how to see the progress during select dates this coming year.

 

Retired Admiral Tynch will lead the students on their aviation journey.

About the Class

23 senior and juniors from neighboring First Flight High School will use the curriculum provided by Tango Flight, Inc. to support this exciting learning experience. Students will be under the direction of Admiral Murray Tynch III, retired US Naval Aviator, and a cadre of local aviation enthusiasts. Throughout the two years Admiral Tynch will help the students learn about all aspects of aviation, science, enginneering, and related careers. Alumni of the program from other schools have been able to leverage this unique experience into full-time aviation careers.

 

Learn along with the Students

Over the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school year, we will share a series of videos on this page highlighting the progress of the class as they achieve milestones in the construction. Throughout these videos, we will also connect the student's journey to that of the Wright Brothers, and learn about the similarities and differences both teams faced in their quest for powered flight. Additional updates can be found on the park's and Dare County School's social media channels.

Media inquiries should be directed to the National Park Service.

 

Duration:

7 minutes, 18 seconds

EPISODE ONE -- PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF! -- Join the National Park Service and students from neighboring First Flight High School as they begin their educational journey in building a flyable two-person airplane and learn about aviation, engineering, and applied mathematics in the shadow of the Wright brothers.

 

Duration:

5 minutes, 16 seconds

EPISODE TWO -- FOUNDATIONS OF FLIGHT -- Join the National Park Service and students from neighboring First Flight High School in the second episode of their educational journey building a flyable two-person airplane while learning about aviation, engineering, and applied mathematics in the shadow of the Wright brothers. In this episode, students learn about the fundamentals of flight through a site tour, classroom sessions, and completing their own coupon books.

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 31 seconds

EPISODE THREE -- BUILDING YAW -- Join the National Park Service and students from neighboring First Flight High School in the third episode of their educational journey building a flyable two-person airplane in the shadow of the Wright brothers. In this episode, students encounter some of their first challenges and see parallels within the Wright brother's journey.

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 54 seconds

EPISODE FOUR -- TAKING SHAPE -- Join the National Park Service and students from neighboring First Flight High School in the fourth episode of their educational journey building a flyable two-person airplane in the shadow of the Wright brothers. In this episode, students begin to assemble larger pieces of the airplane and face a logistical challenge similar to the Wright brothers -- storage.

 

Duration:

6 minutes, 20 seconds

Episode Five -- YEAR ONE: COMPLETE -- Join the National Park Service and students from neighboring First Flight High School in the fifth episode of their educational journey building a flyable two-person airplane in the shadow of the Wright brothers. In this episode, students are wrapping up the first year of the build and reflecting on what being a part of the process has taught them.

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 26 seconds

Episode Six -- LEADERS AND MENTORS -- Join the National Park Service and students from neighboring First Flight High School in the sixth episode of their educational journey building a flyable two-person airplane in the shadow of the Wright brothers. In this episode, students are kicking off the second year of the build with the class seniors taking the lead!

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 59 seconds

Episode Seven -- PROPELLING THEIR DREAMS -- Join the National Park Service and students from neighboring First Flight High School in the seventh episode of their educational journey building a flyable two-person airplane in the shadow of the Wright brothers. In this episode, new students discuss what participating in the class means for them and their futures; we also learn about Katharine Wright Haskell and how her encouragement and support helped her brothers realize their dreams.