On December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first controlled, manned flight in a heavier-than-air, mechanically propelled airplane. Orville piloted the gasoline-powered, propeller-driven biplane that stayed aloft for 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, thus launching the age of aviation.

The United States Congress, by joint resolution, designated the 17th day of December of each year as “Wright Brothers Day,” and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation commemorating this day.

The Birth of Flight Go to the Presentation   Student Activity Extending the Content Writing Activity   Additional Web Resources Explore these Web sites to learn more about the Wright Brothers and their part in aviation history.   Photo Credits
	2001 North Carolina State Quarter