Featured moment · World history

First powered flight

17 December 1903

At Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, the Wright brothers achieved controlled powered flight, beginning a new era in transport and aviation.

Orville Wright flying the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk while Wilbur runs alongside — Photograph: United States National Archives / Wikimedia Commons. View image, creator and licence on Wikimedia Commons.

What happened?

On 17 December 1903, Orville Wright piloted the first of four powered flights made by the Wright brothers that day. The initial flight lasted around 12 seconds and travelled about 120 feet.

Why it mattered

The brothers combined sustained power, lift and three-axis control. Their achievement became a foundation for the development of modern aviation.