From Wikipedia:
When they were ready again on December 17, the wind was averaging more than 20 mph, so the brothers laid the launching rail on level ground, pointed into the wind, near their camp. This time the wind, instead of an inclined launch, helped provide the necessary airspeed for takeoff. Because Wilbur already had the first chance, Orville took his turn at the controls. His first flight lasted 12 seconds for a total distance of 120 ft (36.5 m) – shorter than the wingspan of a Boeing 747, as noted by observers in the 2003 commemoration of the first flight.
good that someone else noticed this. everyone i talked to yesterday seemed to have not noticed
Cool i didn't know to bad know one made a wright flyer today
Wow... In my newspaper;
@NovaTopaz It's generally not a well remembered or widely celebrated anniversary. The only reason I knew about it was because it's on Wikipedia's front page in the On This Day section.
Also there's the fact that their first Flyer was, in all honesty, kinda crappy, and was crashed beyond repair on the same day. And in their case, the third time really was the charm since they didn't actually achieve fully controlled, sustained, practical powered flight until 1905.
Still a cool anniversary though. Just look at this picture and tell me it doesn't give you chills. Just a couple bicycle makers out in the dunes of North Carolina, changing the world forever.
@AgDynamics Yeah. But I mean, I usually keep losing track of dates :/
@NovaTopaz I don't think it's entirely a coincidence that the update to SP was released today, do you?
Its so exactly in the game!!!!
... Right... Why do these things always show up unexpectedly?