Orville Wright’s first powered flight in the 1903 Wright Flyer lasted 12 seconds.
The flight began at 10:35 a.m. on December 17, 1903, near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Orville lay prone on the lower wing and operated the aircraft’s controls as the Flyer traveled about 120 feet through the air. The brief flight was nevertheless historic because it combined engine power, sustained lift, and pilot control.
Four successful flights took place that day, with Wilbur and Orville taking turns as pilots. The fourth and longest flight lasted 59 seconds and covered 852 feet, making the first flight look especially short by comparison.
The brothers understood that a 12-second flight was only a beginning. Their later 1905 Flyer achieved much longer, repeatable flights and demonstrated practical control.