The Wright Brothers

Toy Helicopter

Mar 5, 1878

In 1878, their father Milton Wright brought home a toy helicopter for the brothers. But, what surprised them was that it did not just go up and come right back down, it actually flew till it hit the wall or the ceiling. Later on the toy was credited to be what sparked the brothers interest in flying.

Wright Cycle Company

Mar 5, 1892

The brothers were involved in a variety of things to make money. However, in 1892 they formed their own bicycle company called 'Wright Cycle Company' which allowed them a steady income and time for other projects as well.

Restless

Mar 5, 1896

Though their business was booming, The brothers were restless with the death of Otto Lilienthal, the celebrated glider experimenter and the successful unmanned launching of powered models.
---Otto Lilienthal

Serious

Mar 5, 1899

The brothers serious work in aviation began in 1899 when Wilbur wrote the Smithsonian for Literature.The brothers also began to realize that they had as much a chance as anyone else at succeeding.

Letter to Octave Chanute

Mar 5, 1900

In a letter written by Wilbur Wright to Octave Chanute (an experienced engineer and worldwide flight authority) he stated that he had been infected with the disease to fly for a long time.

Lift Problem

Mar 5, 1901

In 1901, the brothers started to sharpen their focus and overcome a lift problem.They increased the camber of the 1901 flyer and they also lengthened the wingspan to 22 feet instead of 17ft.

12 seconds

Dec 17, 1903

Dressed in suits on a cold December day, the Wright brothers shook hands since they couldn't hear eachother the roar of the engine and Orville climbed onto the flyer and flew for 12 seconds.

Finally

Mar 5, 1909

In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt sontacted the Wright brothers and signed a deal with them to build planes for the U.S. Army.

The End

Mar 5, 1912

The brothers continued to improve and manufacture airplanes until 1912, when Wilbur died of Typhoid fever.