Key Takeaways
- The Wright Brothers Day commemorates the first controlled, machine-powered aircraft flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903.
- The Wright brothers’ achievement marked the beginning of a new era in American aviation power and innovation.
- The United States has remained a world leader in flight and aviation since the Wright brothers’ historic flight.
- The current administration is focused on continuing the Wright brothers’ legacy by investing in air travel and innovation, including modernizing air traffic control and researching commercial supersonic flight.
- The administration is committed to restoring excellence and safety within the Federal Aviation Administration and promoting merit-based hiring practices.
Introduction to the Wright Brothers’ Achievement
Today, our Nation celebrates the heroic moment when Orville and Wilbur Wright launched the first controlled, machine-powered aircraft on December 17, 1903. This Wright Brothers Day, we honor the genius and bravery of two pioneers from Dayton, Ohio, and we proudly carry their legacy forward by championing the imagination, perseverance, and bold ambition that gave rise to their magnificent achievement. The Wright brothers’ story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of Americans to push the boundaries of what is possible.
The Wright Brothers’ Journey to Success
What the Wright brothers lacked in formal education, they matched with unrelenting drive. Despite not earning high school degrees, Orville and Wilbur taught themselves the mechanical and engineering skills they needed to build their first aircraft. They drew inspiration from European gliders and soon after attempted their own leap into the uncharted frontier of powered flight. After 4 years of relentless research, design, and testing, their work paid off on a cold, gray day near Kitty Hawk when Orville lifted their Flyer into the air for 12 seconds, traveling 120 feet at just under 7 miles per hour. Orville and Wilbur’s feat marked the first time in history that man lifted off the ground in a piloted, mechanized flying machine. This achievement was a major milestone in the history of aviation and paved the way for the development of modern air travel.
The Impact of the Wright Brothers’ Achievement
The Wright brothers’ epic feat on the windswept shores of North Carolina opened a new chapter of innovation for all mankind and began a new era of American aviation power that continues to propel our country upwards among the clouds and beyond. Since that historic day in North Carolina, the United States has remained the world leader in flight and aviation. Less than seven decades later, the Wright brothers’ triumph at Kitty Hawk led Americans to the moon, and the current administration is focused on returning there, and beyond to Mars. The Wright brothers’ achievement has had a lasting impact on American history and has inspired generations of innovators and explorers to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Continuing the Wright Brothers’ Legacy
We are also continuing the Wright brothers’ proud legacy by presiding over a new Golden Age of air travel and innovation. Shortly after taking office, the current administration signed an Executive Order restoring excellence and safety within the Federal Aviation Administration. This order aims to ensure that the FAA is focused on its core mission of promoting safety and innovation in the aviation industry. The administration is also ending disastrous so-called "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" programs that put Americans at risk and restoring the sacred principle of merit to hiring practices. Through the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, we are investing $12.5 billion to modernize air traffic control with cutting-edge technology. This investment will help to reduce congestion and delays in the nation’s airspace, making air travel safer and more efficient for all Americans.
Advances in Supersonic Flight
America is also leading the way in supersonic flight. The current administration has ordered the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct groundbreaking levels of research and development into commercial supersonic flight, driving new advances in air travel that will incorporate the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies. This research has the potential to revolutionize the way we travel, making it faster and more efficient than ever before. The administration is committed to supporting the development of new technologies that will help to drive innovation and growth in the aviation industry.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In the 122 years since the Wright brothers’ revolutionary flight, our Nation has never stopped gazing upward in wonder and hope. As we commemorate Orville and Wilbur’s legendary achievement today, we pledge to carry their vision into every new frontier and keep America’s skies bright with the innovation, discovery, and unstoppable spirit that drive our Nation to new heights. The Wright brothers’ legacy is a reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. As we look to the future, we are committed to continuing their legacy by investing in innovation and promoting excellence in the aviation industry. By doing so, we will ensure that America remains a leader in flight and aviation for generations to come.