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Orville Wright


Full Name and Common Aliases


Orville Wright was born on August 19, 1871, to Milton and Susan Wright in Dayton, Ohio. He is often referred to alongside his brother Wilbur Wright, with whom he shared many achievements.

Birth and Death Dates


August 19, 1871 - January 30, 1948

Nationality and Profession(s)


Orville was an American inventor, engineer, and aviation pioneer. Alongside his brother Wilbur, they made significant contributions to the development of powered, heavier-than-air flight.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in a family that valued education and innovation, Orville developed an early interest in mechanics and experimentation. He attended Central High School in Dayton but dropped out at 14 to focus on running the family's printing business with his brother Wilbur. The brothers' fascination with flight led them to read everything they could find on the subject and conduct extensive research.

Major Accomplishments


Orville Wright, along with his brother Wilbur, is credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane. On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville piloted the Wright Flyer I for a 12-second flight covering 120 feet. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in aviation history.

Notable Works or Actions


The Wright brothers' perseverance and innovative spirit led to numerous breakthroughs in aviation technology. They developed three-axis control, which enabled pilots to control roll, pitch, and yaw. Their work on wing warping and the design of more efficient engines paved the way for modern aircraft development. The brothers also established a flying school at Huffman Prairie, where they trained military and civilian pilots.

Impact and Legacy


Orville Wright's contributions to aviation are immeasurable. His dedication to experimentation and innovation has inspired generations of inventors, engineers, and scientists. The Wright brothers' achievements were recognized globally, with accolades from governments and institutions worldwide.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Orville Wright is widely remembered for his role in transforming the field of aviation. His quotes and writings often emphasize the importance of perseverance, innovation, and collaboration. As he once said, "If we work on the assumption that the only thing which matters is to be able to talk nonsense and to be believed and not to talk sense and be disbelieved, then there seems no limit at all to what we may do." His legacy continues to inspire people from diverse backgrounds and professions.

Orville Wright's remarkable life and achievements serve as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and collaboration. Through his pioneering work in aviation, he has left an enduring impact on modern society, making him one of the most notable figures in history.

Quotes by Orville Wright

Before leaving for our camp at Kitty Hawk we tested the chain drive for the propellers in our shop at Dayton, and found it satisfactory.
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Before leaving for our camp at Kitty Hawk we tested the chain drive for the propellers in our shop at Dayton, and found it satisfactory.
Success four flights Thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from Level with engine power alone speed through air thirty one miles longest 57 second inform Press home Christmas.
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Success four flights Thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from Level with engine power alone speed through air thirty one miles longest 57 second inform Press home Christmas.
Before leaving camp in 1902 we were already at work on the general design of a new machine which we proposed to propel with a motor.
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Before leaving camp in 1902 we were already at work on the general design of a new machine which we proposed to propel with a motor.
We were lucky enough to grow up in an environment where there was always much encouragement to children to pursue intellectual interests; to investigate what ever aroused curiosity.
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We were lucky enough to grow up in an environment where there was always much encouragement to children to pursue intellectual interests; to investigate what ever aroused curiosity.
If we worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true really is true, then there would be little hope for advance
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If we worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true really is true, then there would be little hope for advance
If birds can glide for long periods of time, then why cant I ?
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If birds can glide for long periods of time, then why cant I ?
We decided to place the motor to one side of the man, so that in case of a plunge head first, the motor could not fall upon him.
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We decided to place the motor to one side of the man, so that in case of a plunge head first, the motor could not fall upon him.
When the motor was completed and tested, we found that it would develop 16 horse power for a few seconds, but that the power rapidly dropped till, at the end of a minute, it was only 12 horse power.
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When the motor was completed and tested, we found that it would develop 16 horse power for a few seconds, but that the power rapidly dropped till, at the end of a minute, it was only 12 horse power.
In our gliding experiments we had had a number of experiences in which we had landed upon one wing, but the crushing of the wing had absorbed the shock, so that we were not uneasy about the motor in case of a landing of that kind.
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In our gliding experiments we had had a number of experiences in which we had landed upon one wing, but the crushing of the wing had absorbed the shock, so that we were not uneasy about the motor in case of a landing of that kind.
The ability to do this so quickly was largely due to the enthusiastic and efficient services of Mr. C.E. Taylor, who did all the machine work in our shop for the first as well as the succeeding experimental machines.
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The ability to do this so quickly was largely due to the enthusiastic and efficient services of Mr. C.E. Taylor, who did all the machine work in our shop for the first as well as the succeeding experimental machines.
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