On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright flew the Wright Flyer 120 feet in 12 seconds. Later that same morning, Wilbur flew it 852 feet in 59 seconds.

The Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight lasted 12 seconds. On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright flew the Flyer about 120 feet (36 meters) at Kill Devil Hills, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

At 10:35 a.m. Orville released the restraining wire and the Flyer moved down its launching rail, with Wilbur steadying the wings, the National Park Service recounts. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum records a 12-second flight. The NPS notes the 27-mph headwind: the Flyer's groundspeed was only 6.8 mph.

Four flights in one morning

The brothers took turns. On the fourth and last flight of the day, Wilbur flew 852 feet in 59 seconds. The museum calls it the long, sustained effort after which there was no question the Wrights had flown.

On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright flew the Wright Flyer 120 feet in 12 seconds. Later that same morning, Wilbur flew it 852 feet in 59 seconds.

Four flights in one morning

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