The 1904 Flyer on the starting rail, August, 1904
Image credit: Library of Congress

The Wrights' Debut

The wind had dwindled down to a whisper. The crowd had been waiting all day to see the Flyer lift into the air. Not wanting to disappoint them, the crew stated the machine, and made an attempt at a flight. They Flyer rolled down the rail, but simply could not lift itself, and slid to a stop off the end of the track. The next attempt was thwarted by the rain.

Although this sounds like December 2003, and the Centennial of the first flight, it actually is a description of the Wrights' first attempt at a public flight May 23, 1904, at Huffman Prarie outside Dayton, Ohio. Wilbur was the pilot. He and Orville had invited reporters and spectators to come and see their new Flyer, and to make a demonstration flight. But the weather simply did not cooperate. The wind was too strong at first, so they waited until it calmed down. But it didn't calm down. It died. There were rain clouds brewing. Wilbur decided to make a try anyway, and could not get off the ground.

The following day some of the reporters stayed around, but the tests were cancelled because of rain. Finally, on the 25th, between rain showers, Orville made a short hop in the machine. It wasn't until four years later that Wilbur made his first public flight in Le Mans, France. Until then, he and Orville had to continually defend their claims that they had actually flown.


The following day some of the reproters stayed around, but the tests were cancelled because of rain. Finally, on the 25th, between rain showers, Orville made a short hop in the machine. It wasn't until four years later that Wilbur made his first public flight in Le Mans, France. Until then, he and Orville had to continually defend their claims that they had actually flown.