Wright Brothers Day 2016
Wright Brothers Day is December 17th. The holiday was established by Dwight Eisenhower in 1959. The day celebrates the first successful flight in a mechanically propelled aircraft in 1903 by Wilbur and Orville Wright. In Ohio, Wright Brothers Day is an official holiday that is celebrated on 5 October.
Flight Trials
The flight took place at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The total flight time was 12 seconds with a distance traveled of 120 feet. The brothers flew 3 more times after that. The longest flight went a total of 852 feet.
Wright Flyer
The Wright Flyer is the aircraft that made history. The Flyer has a wingspan of 40 feet and 4 inches. The aircraft weighed in at 605 pounds. The frame of the aircraft was made from spruce wood and muslin was used as a covering. The engine had had four cylinders that generated 12 horsepower. After the fourth and final flight, the aircraft was damaged and retired.
Celebrating Wright Brothers Day 2016
Each year, a memorial flight takes place at the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills. This year marks the 113th celebration. The event begins at 8:30 am with music and a commemoration. A fly-over takes place at 10:35 am (the recorded time of the first flight). Sessions are offered at the accompanying museum. To celebrate the holiday, entrance to the park is free.