The Wright Flyer: First Powered Flight and Beyond

The Wright brothers faced design challenges in adding an engine to their aircraft, leading them to build their own. Their first flight attempts in 1903 were short but promising. By 1905, they developed practical aircraft models, Flyer 2 and Flyer 3, achieving sustained flight. Despite initial skepticism, they gained recognition in France and the US, becoming aviation pioneers. Their legacy continues to inspire inventors worldwide.

What was one major design change the Wright brothers made to accommodate the engine?

• They used lighter materials.

• They removed the propellers.

• They reduced the size of the aircraft.

• They added 500 square feet to the wing area.

How did the Wright brothers decide who would pilot the first flight attempt?

• They chose the older brother.

• They drew straws.

• They flipped a coin.

• They took turns alphabetically.

What was the duration of Orville's first successful flight?

• 2 minutes

• 59 seconds

• 12 seconds

• 3 1/2 seconds

What innovation did the Wright brothers use to help Flyer 2 take off?

• A catapult launcher

• A longer runway

• A larger engine

• A lighter frame

In which year did the Wright brothers receive a patent for their flying machine?

• 1904

• 1906

• 1905

• 1903

Where did Wilbur Wright find significant interest in their invention?

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

What honor did the Wright brothers receive from President Taft?

• Nobel Prize

• Congressional Medal of Honor

• Aero Club of America's gold medals

• Pulitzer Prize