Octave Chanute, a friend and supporter of their work. They corresponded frequently with engineer Through their own research and experimentation, and by studying the attempts of other would-be pilots, the Wright brothers knew that heavier-than-air flight was possible. Telegram, Orville Wright to Bishop Milton Wright, announcing the first successful powered flight. Success four flights Thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from level with engine power alone average speed through air thirty one miles longest 57 seconds inform Press home Christmas. That afternoon, the Wright brothers walked the four miles to Kitty Hawk and sent a telegram to their father, Bishop Milton Wright, back home in Dayton: They built their 1903 glider in sections in the back room of their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop. Daniels, photographers, December 17, 1903. That morning, the brothers became the first people to demonstrate sustained flight of a heavier-than-air machine under the complete control of the pilot. On the fourth and final flight of the day, Wilbur traveled 852 feet, remaining airborne for 59 seconds. Orville piloted the first flight that lasted just 12 seconds and 120 feet. On the morning of December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright took turns piloting and monitoring their flying machine in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.
