Today is National Aviation Day, recognizing the pioneers of human flight. This day was originally acknowledged with a presidential proclamation by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939. The proclamation of this day was specifically designated for Orville Wright’s birthday.
In case you’re not familiar with the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright were American aviation pioneers credited with inventing and flying the world’s first successful airplane. Orville’s first flight was made on December 17, 1903. It lasted 12 seconds and 120 feet around the site of the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
While the brothers were not the first to build and fly experimental aircraft, they were the first to invent aircraft controls. Their breakthrough invention was their creation of a three-axis control system, which enabled the pilot to steer the aircraft effectively and maintain its equilibrium. Their system of aircraft controls made fix-wing powered flight possible and remains standard on airplanes of all kinds.
We’re thankful for the Wright Brothers, and everyone along the way that contributed to the invention of human flight. Without their knowledge and creativity, our helicopters wouldn’t be possible. If you would like to participate in the day, you can by using the hashtag #NationalAviationDay on social media.