The first successful flight by the Wright brothers took place on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, at a place called Kill Devil Hills. Orville Wright piloted the aircraft, known as the Wright Flyer, while Wilbur ran alongside to help steady it. The airplane lifted off the ground under its own power and flew for about 12 seconds, covering roughly 120 feet before landing. Although the flight was short, it proved that a heavier-than-air machine could be controlled in sustained, powered flight. Later that same day, the brothers made three more flights, with the final one lasting nearly a minute. This moment marked the beginning of modern aviation and changed transportation and warfare forever.