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This film presents a unique opportunity to compare what was seen from the ground as a Wright plane took off, and what was seen from the plane. While in Italy, Wilbur made the first flight with a motion picture camera on board.
The film shows the plane being rolled backwards, presumably into position for takeoff. We next see Wilbur and his passenger from the rear as the airplane starts down the rail. The point of view changes to the on-board camera. The large forward elevator dominates the picture. As the airplane reaches the end of the rail, the elevator tips back to help raise the machine into the air.
The flyer, seen from the back, leaves the ground. With the view again from the machine we see the Italian landscape, including Roman ruins, flashing by below. The Flyer passes a group of soldiers, who watch its progress.
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