Wright Brother Day ✈

Overview

Wright Brother Day, observed annually on December 17th, commemorates Orville and Wilbur Wright's monumental achievement of the first successful sustained flight of a motor-driven airplane in 1903. This day celebrates their pioneering spirit, ingenuity, and the dawn of aviation, which revolutionized travel and opened up the skies.

Origin and story

The first successful flight, made by Orville Wright, lasted 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet.

The historic flight took place at Kill Devil Hills, four miles south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Quick facts

• DateDecember 17
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

The entire era of powered flight began with a 12-second hop that covered less distance than the wingspan of a modern jumbo jet.

Relive the four flights of December 17, 1903

At 10:35 a.m., Orville Wright piloted the first flight: 12 seconds, 120 feet, at a top speed of 6.8 mph. The brothers took turns making three more attempts that day, with Wilbur piloting the longest — 852 feet in 59 seconds. Read the fuller account of that single, world-changing morning at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Learn what it took to get there

The Wright Flyer wasn't a lucky first try — it followed four years of gliders, wind-tunnel testing, and scientific experimentation by two bicycle-shop owners with no formal engineering training.

Visit (or virtually visit) the site

The dunes where the Wrights launched their gliders and first powered flight are preserved today as Wright Brothers National Memorial. Look into visiting, or explore it through the National Park Service's own materials.

Helpful resources: Wright Brothers National Memorial (National Park Service)

Fun facts

• The first successful flight, made by Orville Wright, lasted 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet.
• The historic flight took place at Kill Devil Hills, four miles south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
• Before their aviation experiments, the Wright brothers operated a successful bicycle sales and repair shop in Dayton, Ohio, which funded their research.
• Their first aircraft, known as the 'Wright Flyer' (or 'Kitty Hawk'), was largely constructed from spruce wood and muslin cloth.
• Both brothers were present for the first flight; Orville piloted, while Wilbur ran alongside to steady the wing.

Sources and attribution

• Wright Brothers National Memorial (National Park Service)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Wright Brother Day?

It is observed on December 17 each year.

What is Wright Brother Day?

Wright Brother Day, observed annually on December 17th, commemorates Orville and Wilbur Wright's monumental achievement of the first successful sustained flight of a motor-driven airplane in 1903. This day celebrates their pioneering spirit, ingenuity, and the dawn of aviation, which revolutionized travel and opened up the skies.

How do people celebrate Wright Brother Day?

Read about all four Wright Flyer flights on December 17, 1903, starting with Orville's 12-second, 120-foot first flight and ending with Wilbur's 852-foot longest flight of the day.

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