“Many advances in the way we live and the comforts we enjoy are the direct result of this little Flyer and the scientific research it spawned.” Harry B. Combs, 12/16/03
FIRST in FLIGHT brands North Carolina’s place in history.

“Success four flights.” The telegraph from the Wright brothers to their father, Milton Wright, was the official announcement that heavier than air, controlled, manned, powered flight had been achieved. December 17, 1903.

And as planned, the Wrights returned home to Dayton, OH, by Christmas.

The Wrights first arrived on the Outer Banks in 1900. Orville Wright last visited the Outer Banks in 1945. But December 17, 1903, is the date most recognized in American and aviation history. And the photograph of the First Flight taken by John Daniels, a member of the Kill Devil Hills Life Saving Station, is perhaps the most famous/recognized photographs in the world.

The world celebrated the First Flight Centennial in 2003. Without question it was “The Event of the Century”.

In 2011 the world celebrated another centennial, Soaring 100, the 1911 World Record Glider Flight of Orville Wright that introduced Modern Soaring.

The legacy of the Wright Brothers extends beyond meticulous detail, calculations, and a desire to fly. Their work and success embodies hard work and perserverence. The First Flight Foundation joins with aviation partners to tell the complete Wright story and, specifically, the North Carolina Wright story.

ARTICLES

120th Anniversary of the First Flight  Dec. 17th

120th Anniversary of the First Flight Dec. 17th

December 17, 2023 120th Anniversary of First Flight Free admission to Wright Brothers National Memorial Honorees-Paul Garber Shrine  Walter and Olive Ann Beech Walter Beech (1891-1950); Olive Ann Beech (1903-1993) Founders of Beech Aircraft Company Commemorative Event...

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119th Commemoration of The First Flight 12-17-22

119th Commemoration of The First Flight 12-17-22

8:30 AM Park opens to public-Free Admission  Park Hours 9:00 am-5:00 pm 9:00 AM Welcome Remarks and speakers David Hallac, Superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Mike Fonseca, President, First Flight Society US Air Force General Mark D. Kelly,...

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The Final Flight

The Final Flight

It is our deepest sorrow to share that L. Ferguson (Ferg) Norton, RADM USN Ret., has taken his final flight to heaven beyond the skies. Christ Community Church is conducting the service followed by the commitment with full military honors at Oleander Memorial Gardens,...

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