The Soaring History of Planes

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

Planes are what allow the average person to reach new heights and go to amazing new places affordably and in a timely manner. Flying all over the world is possible because of this great invention from the Wright Brothers in 1903. But how did they do it? Were they the first?

The Wright brothers always had an interest in flying, but they opened a bicycle shop in Kitty Hawke, North Caroline before their flight to fame. After years of trying to build a plane that worked, they succeeded. The first airplane was created that took flight for 12 seconds and traveled 120 feet. Before the Wright brothers, people like Otto Lithenthal built flying machines in the 1800s that were a close attempt at flight, but didn’t necessarily come close to the Wright brothers. Hiram Maxim also built a flying machine in 1894, but it didn’t work. The brothers' plan for a plane was based on how birds fly. Their plane was made of light materials and had adjustable wings for flight. 

During WWI, planes were discovered as valuable resources for fighting in war. As they gained popularity for this, pilots wanted to keep flying and soon commercial flying rose to fame. Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic non-stop in 1932. Engines are useful for flying, with the further development of them people could fly to new heights. In the modern world of today, safety features help planes deal with intense weather and navigate where they need to go.

Legends such as the one of Icarus, a boy who built wings and flew too close to the sun offer an ancient perspective on flying. Greek myths like that one and others around the world confirm that humans have always been interested in flight. Leonardo Devinchi had many ideas for flying  and was more than an artist. He drew many flying machines and tested them secretly in the late 1400s. In the 1700s, the first hot air balloon took flight. Powered by gas and air, it took off in Paris and paved the way for more advanced ways to fly. 

All in all, planes have allowed us to see an amazing world. Their features allow for the safest and most eco-friendly way to travel. Besides that, they have an amazing history that was created by two brothers who owned a bike shop.