On December 17, 1903, at 10:35 am, Orville Wright successfully flew the first powered aircraft. The flight distance was 120 feet (37 m) and lasted 12 seconds. The top speed was only 6.8 miles per hour (10.9 km/h) over the ground. The airspeed was substantially higher due to winds gusting to 27 miles per hour.
Did you know that the very first video taken from a powered aircraft was shot onboard a Wright brothers aircraft? No, they did not use a GoPro Hero to make the movie. The film, titled: “Wilbur Wright und seine Flugmaschine,” was made in 1909 near Rome and lasts about 3 1/2 minutes. It was made to end skepticism that the airplane could really fly. Here’s the film, in it’s entirety (enjoy the old-timey piano music).
THANK YOU for finding this literally awesome video…there are not words to describe the jaw-dropping wonder and joy of sharing in this cockpit experience!
Glad you enjoyed it, Andrea. Thanks for reading!