Wright Brothers Day 2022 – History, Facts, & Importance
You probably know the Wright brothers as the creators of the world’s first successful airplane.
Or maybe you’ve read about their fascination with flight, which began when they observed birds in flight and concluded that humanity could learn to fly.
Maybe you’ve even read about how their mother would tie two kites together for them to play with.
But how much do you know about Wright Brothers Day? Continue reading to learn about the most creative duo in this article.
When Is Wright Brothers Day 2022?
Wright Brothers Day is on January 17. It marks the anniversary of the first successful heavier-than-air powered flight, which Wilbur and Orville Wright captained.
History
The Wright brothers are widely considered to be the first men to achieve powered flight with a controlled, sustained, and successful flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft.
They made 4 flights on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
The first 2 flights lasted only about 12 seconds each. The third and final long flight lasted 59 seconds.
Multiple distances were covered, including 120 feet, 175 feet, 200 feet, and 852 feet, with altitudes ranging from about 8 to 14 feet.
5 Creative Ways to Observe Wright Brothers Day
Here are some exciting ways to celebrate the Day of Wright Brothers.
1. Read About Their Lives and Work
The Wright brothers were 2 American engineers who changed history with their invention of the airplane.
But they had quite different personalities and didn’t always get along well while working together on their project.
2. Visit Museums
Visit museums and other sites related to aviation history.
Many museums have exhibits honoring the Wright brothers’ achievements, including those at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Other ones are the Museum of Flight in Seattle, WA, and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Dayton, OH.
3. Learn More about Aviation
Many books about the Wright brothers are available at your local library or bookstore.
These books can help you learn more about their accomplishments and those of other aviators who followed them into space.
You can also find educational games online that teach kids about flying machines using games like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope.
4. Participate in Events
Another great way to celebrate this holiday is by learning more about aviation history and participating in events related to aviation history. Check out local air shows or museums that showcase airplanes from different eras.
5. Learn How to Fly
For those interested in learning how to fly, this would be the perfect opportunity to take lessons or get certified.
The first step is getting your pilot’s license; once that’s done, there are plenty of options for you. You can choose to train on a small plane or a helicopter.
Importance of Wright Brother’s Day
Here are a few reasons why you should celebrate Wright Brothers Day:
- It’s an opportunity to learn about the history of aviation.
- The occasion to show your appreciation for these 2 men who invented something so incredible!
- It’s an opportunity to meet other people who share your passion for aviation history.
- You can support local businesses that sell aviation-related products!
- It is a chance for us to appreciate all they have done for us and our world today.
- This event is celebrated with parades and festivals around the country, and people celebrate this event with great enthusiasm.
Also Read:
6 Interesting Facts about Wright Brothers
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are the first people to fly a plane.
But do you know everything there is to know about them? Here are some facts that you may not have known about these two pioneering aviators:
- Their father was a bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
- They didn’t own a car until they were 38 and 41, respectively!
- When they built their first plane at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, it didn’t even have an engine! It was powered by a catapult and then released for the flight, which doesn’t sound very safe!
- The Wrights’ original plane only had enough fuel for one minute of flight time, but Orville could keep it airborne for 59 seconds!
- The Wright Brothers’ first plane had no brakes or steering wheel, so if something went wrong while flying it, there was no way to control or stop the aircraft once it was airborne!
- The first time Orville flew his plane solo was after only 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who Invented the First Airplane?
The Wright brothers, Alberto Santos‑Dumont, Victor Tatin, and E. Lilian Todd, invented the first airplane in 1903.
Q2: Where is Wright Brother’s Museum?
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a United States National Park Service site that honors the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright.
Q3: Is Wright Brother’s Museum Open?
Yes, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is open seven days a week. It’s open from 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
Bottom Line
Wright Brothers Day is an excellent opportunity to learn as much as you can about the history of flight.
Of course, the internet is an excellent resource for this sort of thing, but it can be nice to talk to someone about it in an informal setting when the occasion arises.
Taking advantage of this occasion to learn about an often overlooked duo of pioneers can help ensure their legacy lives on for years to come!